Methotrexate

Immune-suppressing medicine
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Methotrexate is a immune-suppressing medicine found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Folitrax 7.5, Folitrax 10, Folitrax 15. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (once a week); in higher doses, some cancers.

How it works

Calms the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other conditions at low weekly doses; at high doses it treats cancer.

How to take it

For arthritis and psoriasis it is taken ONCE A WEEK on the same day, never daily; taking it daily by mistake can be fatal. Folic acid is given on another day. Regular blood tests are needed.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Tiredness
  • Hair thinning

Get medical help straight away if

  • Sore throat, fever or bruising (low blood counts)
  • New cough or breathlessness
  • Yellow skin
  • You took an extra dose

Be careful

Usually taken ONCE A WEEK, not daily: mistakes are dangerous. Needs blood tests; not in pregnancy.

Other medicines and interactions

Trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole and high-dose aspirin or NSAIDs raise levels dangerously; PPIs can too. Limit alcohol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Causes miscarriage and birth defects; men and women must use contraception during and for 3 to 6 months after. Not for breastfeeding.

Brands of Methotrexate (3)

Folitrax 10Folitrax 15Folitrax 7.5

Common questions

What is Methotrexate used for?

Treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (once a week); in higher doses, some cancers.

How does Methotrexate work?

Calms the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other conditions at low weekly doses; at high doses it treats cancer.

How should I take Methotrexate?

For arthritis and psoriasis it is taken ONCE A WEEK on the same day, never daily; taking it daily by mistake can be fatal. Folic acid is given on another day. Regular blood tests are needed.

What are the side effects of Methotrexate?

Common: Nausea, mouth ulcers, tiredness, hair thinning. Get help straight away for: Sore throat, fever or bruising (low blood counts), new cough or breathlessness, yellow skin, you took an extra dose.

Does Methotrexate interact with other medicines?

Trimethoprim, co-trimoxazole and high-dose aspirin or NSAIDs raise levels dangerously; PPIs can too. Limit alcohol.

Is Methotrexate safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Causes miscarriage and birth defects; men and women must use contraception during and for 3 to 6 months after. Not for breastfeeding.

Does Methotrexate need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Methotrexate?

Folitrax 10, Folitrax 15, Folitrax 7.5.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.