Imagine your body is like a city, bustling with activity. In this city, cells are like the workers, and they need instructions to do their jobs properly. These instructions come from DNA, which is like a blueprint for building and repairing things in the city.

Now, when someone has cancer or an autoimmune disease, some cells start acting out. They grow too fast or attack healthy parts of the city. This is where methotrexate comes in.

Methotrexate is like a traffic cop. It stops those misbehaving cells in their tracks. It does this by blocking an important molecule called folic acid, which cells need to grow and divide.

By blocking folic acid, methotrexate slows down the growth of those troublemaking cells. It's like putting up roadblocks that prevent them from causing more damage to the city.

So, in simple terms, methotrexate works by putting the brakes on the out-of-control cells in your body, whether they're cancer cells or cells causing autoimmune diseases. This helps keep things in order and gives your body a chance to heal.

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Methotrexate is helpful for treating a few different things:

1. **Cancer**: It's used to treat various types of cancer like leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. Methotrexate slows down the growth of cancer cells, giving the body a chance to fight them off.

2. **Autoimmune Diseases**: It's also used for diseases where the body's immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be managed with methotrexate. It helps calm down the overactive immune system and reduce inflammation.

3. **Skin Conditions**: Methotrexate can treat certain skin conditions like psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin. By slowing down the growth of skin cells, it helps reduce the symptoms of these conditions.

In simple terms, methotrexate is like a multitasking superhero medicine that helps fight cancer, calm down the immune system, and improve skin conditions.

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If you forget to take your methotrexate dose, don't panic! Here's what you should do:

1. **Take It ASAP**: If you remember shortly after missing your dose, go ahead and take it as soon as you remember.

2. **Don't Double Up**: If it's almost time for your next dose, don't take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Just skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.

3. **Tell Your Doctor**: It's essential to inform our doctor or healthcare provider that you missed a dose. They can offer guidance on what to do next and help you stay on track with our treatment plan.

Remember, missing an occasional dose isn't the end of the world, but try to stick to your medication schedule as closely as possible for the best results.

Please book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist to know more about what happens if you miss the dose.

There can be side effects when using methotrexate. Here are some common ones:

1. **Nausea and Vomiting**: Some people may feel sick to their stomach or vomit after taking methotrexate.

2. **Fatigue**: It can cause tiredness or weakness in some people.

3. **Mouth Sores**: Methotrexate may lead to sores or ulcers in the mouth.

4. **Hair Loss**: Some people may experience thinning or loss of hair while taking methotrexate.

5. **Decreased Appetite**: It can cause a decrease in appetite, leading to eating less than usual.

6. **Risk of Infections**: Methotrexate can lower the number of white blood cells in the body, which help fight infections. This can increase the risk of getting sick.

7. **Risk of Bleeding**: It may also lower the number of platelets in the blood, which help with clotting. This can lead to increased bruising or bleeding.

These side effects can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. It's essential to talk to our doctor if you have any concerns or if you experience any side effects while taking methotrexate. They can offer advice on how to manage them and may adjust your treatment if needed.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

If you're taking other medicines along with methotrexate, it's important to let your doctor know. That way, they can make sure that the medicines won't cause any problems when taken together.

Think of it like this: Our doctor is like a traffic controller, and each medicine is like a car on the road. If they don't coordinate properly, there could be a crash!

By telling our doctor about all the medicines you're taking, they can make sure everything works together safely to keep you healthy. So, keep them informed about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you're using.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist

Here's some straightforward safety advice if you're considering using methotrexate:

1. **Pregnancy**: If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it's crucial to talk to our doctor before using methotrexate. It can harm an unborn baby, so it's essential to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for some time after stopping methotrexate.

2. **Liver or Kidney Problems**: If you have liver or kidney issues, methotrexate might not be safe for you. These organs help process medications, so if they're damaged, taking methotrexate could be risky. Make sure to tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems before starting treatment.

3. **Follow Doctor's Instructions**: Always take methotrexate exactly as our doctor prescribes it. Don't change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. They'll monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed to keep you safe.

4. **Use Birth Control**: If you're capable of becoming pregnant, it's important to use effective birth control while taking methotrexate. This medication can harm an unborn baby, so it's crucial to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for some time after stopping methotrexate.

5. **Watch for Side Effects**: Like any medicine, methotrexate can cause side effects. These might include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or changes in blood counts. If you experience any unusual symptoms, let our doctor know right away.

By following these safety guidelines and keeping open communication with our doctor, you can help ensure that your methotrexate treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist