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A member asked:
Can the typical dose methotrexate used for lupus increase ones chance of developing cancer? i'm worried about it. how many years is it "safe" to be on?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Fairly safe: I looked over the 2004 paper making the claim that Methotrexate presented a real cancer risk and decided the lymphomas were probably viral infections as in aids; they tend to go away on stopping the drug unlike real cancers. The risk is small in any case, and if Methotrexate helps you lupus, it is well worth it.
Answered 6/20/2016
5.6k views
Very, very, unlikely: The dose is so small on the doses of mtx used for other things, other than arthritis an autoimmune diseases, it is something you should not worry about!
Answered 12/9/2013
5.6k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
When one is using methotrexate for arthritis or lupus, is the goal to supress the immune system so the auto diff labs are below normal or stay wnl?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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Recently started 10mg methotrexate for lupus. Completed 2 doses. Began having extreme fatigue, clay colored stools, indigestion. What can cause this?
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A member asked:
Methotrexate :The most common adverse effects include: hepatotoxicity (liver damage),but could this be seen in low dose for Lupus affecting skin ?
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On methotrexate for lupus. I tend to feel great when my WBC is below normal range (2000) & have symptoms when it's normal (8000).Why?Is that common
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