MONITORING METHOTREXATE

Some of methotrexate's side effects can be obvious, particularly nausea, vomiting or tiredness.  But others, like a low white blood cell count or liver damage, may not be seen so quickly. As a result, it is important that blood tests and sometimes an ultrasound or a scan be done to monitor for these side effects as well as to also monitor how the medicine is controlling the disease. Most doctors recommend frequent blood tests when methotrexate is first started. As much as every 2 weeks in the beginning. Those tests can usually be tapered to every 3-4 months after the first few months, along with a thorough physical exam.

Additionally, many doctors want women to sign a statement saying that they are on birth control if they are able to have children, since the unborn babies can develop major birth defects. Some doctors even want men to sign a statement saying that they know they can have lower numbers of sperm or abnormal sperm so the men will also realize how serious it can be to be on this medicine.