The points to be noted in methotrexate therapy, except for lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract

Methotrexate（MTX）is the essential drug to control rheumatoid arthritis（RA）and it is very important for any rheumatologists to understand the characteristics of MTX. To grasp profiles and risk management of side effects is especially important because most RA patients take MTX lifelong. Hematological or myeloid disorder, interstitial lung disease, infectious diseases, liver dysfunction, and malignancy including lymphoproliferative disorder are paid attention in the post-marketing surveillance of MTX in Japan. Not only these side effects but also erroneous or overdose administration of MTX is critical for RA patients because of its unique dosage. Therefore, it is important to share information and communication among any medical stuff including patients, to handle MTX effectively and safely.