Methotrexate, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Methotrexate is a drug that is primarily prescribed to inhibit cell growth, particularly cancer cells, and is often used as a treatment for skin, lung, head, neck, and breast cancers (Drugs.com, 2015). In addition, the drug is often used as a treatment for psoriasis and in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis; therefore, the drug is prescribed in specific dosages under these conditions and is carefully monitored for its potential side effects and other complications that may impact patient health (Drugs.com, 2015). Patients who are prescribed methotrexate typically take the drug weekly or twice weekly, as the drug is powerful and may cause fatal complications if the required dosage is not properly followed (Drugs.com, 2015). Therefore, patients must respond well to all required guidelines and recommendations regarding the drug in order to achieve the desired treatment outcomes.

Analysis

Methotrexate is used in cancer patients to slow the rapid growth of cancer cells; in addition, the drug provides additional protections against rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the activity taking place within the immune system (MedlinePlus, 2015). Patients with Crohn’s Disease may be prescribed the drug, as well as patients who have multiple sclerosis and additional autoimmune diseases that attack cells, organs, and tissues in different ways (MedlinePlus, 2015). Methotrexate may also lead to a number of side effects that include a reduction of red blood cells and also limits the ability of the blood to clot in the proper manner; therefore, it is possible for patients to experience side effects such as bruising, bleeding, and possible infections that may cause additional harm (Drugs.com, 2015). In some cases, there are very serious side effects associated with the use of methotrexate, such as pain the stomach, jaundice, shortness of breath, and difficulty in urination, among other symptoms, some of which may characterize a serious problem related to the kidneys, lungs, or liver (Drugs.com, 2015). There must be a greater emphasis on these symptoms when prescribing methotrexate to patients in order to prevent complications and to minimize long-term risks for these patients who take the drug as prescribed (Drugs.com, 2015).

Patients who have an allergy to methotrexate should not take this drug, and those who have prior kidney or lung disease, are receiving radiation therapy, or who currently have an infection should not take the drug (Drugs.com, 2015). Over time, methotrexate may also cause serious liver damage and also lung damage in some patients; therefore, prescribing the drug must be taken seriously and only under specific conditions in order to prevent these and other complications that could severely impact health in different ways and even cause fatalities if not properly managed (MedlinePlus, 2015). Methotrexate may also counteract the effects of other drugs, as well as vitamins and herbal supplements, so these must be disclosed in order to determine if the drug is appropriate for use with these patients (MedlinePlus, 2015). It is important to develop an understanding of the strong effects of this drug in order to prevent unnecessary complications in patients, and to monitor all side effects properly in order to treat them as needed (MedlinePlus, 2015).

Conclusion

Methotrexate is a drug that treats a variety of conditions, including different forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Since the drug may cause serious side effects, it must be taken as directed in order to prevent complications as best as possible. This also requires an examination of other challenges that may impact the ability to take the drug, such as infections; therefore, it is important to evaluate the drug’s efficacy carefully prior to prescribing the drug to different patients.

References

Drugs.com (2015). Methotrexate. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html

MedlinePlus (2015). Methotrexate. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html