Please describe the medication: methotrexate?

Disease mod med: Methotrexate (mtx) is used for a variety of conditions. In rheumatology mtx is most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . We use 10-25 mg given once weekly for ra. Mtx treats symptoms (pain) but also prevents joint damage and disability in ra. The main side effects: fatigue, some hair loss, and upset stomach. We monitor blood counts and liver tests every 2-3 months.

Standard therapy: Methotrexate was originally used in the early 1950's as a treatment for cancer but was also found to be effective in many other diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It has anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties which make it an excellent first line therapy for RA and other rheumatologist diseases.

Potent : Potent medication that at high doses may be used to treat cancer; at low doses, to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other immune disorders. Its use must be closely monitored to prevent serious side effects.