Methotrexate for Spondylitis

Overview
Methotrexate is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer. Methotrexate is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat spondylitis. A 2013 review concluded that there is not enough evidence that Methotrexate provides benefits for people with spondylitis. Methotrexate does not improve symptoms in cases of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and is not recommended. However, combining Methotrexate and Adalimumab (Humira) has been associated with long-term maintenance in axSpA. Methotrexate is sold under the brand names Rheumatrex and Trexall.

Methotrexate is an immunomodulator, or drug that modifies the immune system. Methotrexate is a type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Methotrexate is believed to suppress the immune system in several ways, reducing the activity of T cells, B cells, interleukins, and enzymes that play a role in autoimmune attacks.

How do I take it?
Methotrexate is generally prescribed to be taken once or twice each week.

Methotrexate may be taken orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Methotrexate lists common side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and temporary hair loss.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Methotrexate include infections, birth defects, seizures, and damage to liver, lungs, or kidneys.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Methotrexate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Methotrexate – Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html

Medications Used to Treat Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases – Spondylitis Association of America
http://www.spondylitis.org/Medications

Methotrexate for ankylosing spondylitis - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.100...

Methotrexate Lowers Immunogenicity to Adalimumab in Axial Spondyloarthritis - Rheumatology Network
https://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/spondyloart...