This patient-friendly article is about chemotherapy drug, Methotrexate which is a general chemotherapy drug used for many cancers which can be given intravenously, via injection or as pills. Folinic acid may be given with it sometimes to reduce the side effects. In 2001 researchers reported that higher doses of the drug lead to less recurrence of a certain type of leukaemia and lymphoma in children (American Society of Clinical Oncology in San Francisco). It is also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Side effects can include: lowered resistance to infection, anaemia, diarrhoea; mouth ulcers, taste changes, skin pigmentation changes and tiredness.
Go to: 10 ways to improve your chemotherapy success and reduce side-effects
Other articles that you may find interesting are:
- A diet for Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy overview
- A to Z Guide to Complementary Therapies
Go to: Return to the CANCERactive drug list