MedicinePOMEssential

Methotrexate

An immunosuppressant taken once weekly for autoimmune conditions, and used in cancer treatment.

Clinical information

Common uses

rheumatoid arthritis
psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Crohn's disease
some cancers

Common side effects

loss of appetite
feeling or being sick
diarrhoea
headaches
hair loss

Cautions

take once a WEEK — daily dosing can be fatal
infection risk — report fevers or sore throats urgently
regular blood tests for liver, kidneys and blood counts
skin becomes sun-sensitive — use SPF 30+

Interactions

NSAIDs (ibuprofen), including in cold remedies
trimethoprim or co-trimoxazole antibiotics
diuretics (indapamide, bendroflumethiazide)
epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, levetiracetam)
omeprazole and other indigestion medicines
folic acid — never on the same day as methotrexate

Pregnancy: do not take — can cause birth defects

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations11

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Methotrexate	Parenteral ( Injection )	15mg/0.4ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Methotrexate	Parenteral ( Injection )	20mg/ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Methotrexate	Tablet	10mg	—	POM
Methotrexate	Parenteral ( Injection )	500mg/vial	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Methotrexate	Parenteral ( Injection )	50mg/2ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Methotrexate	Tablet	7.5mg	—	POM
Methotrexate	Tablet	5mg	—	POM
Methotrexate	Parenteral ( Injection )	1000mg/40ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Methotrexate	Tablet	2.5 mg	—	POM
Oncotrex	Tablet	2.5 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
TREX	Tablet	2.5 mg	authorized importers after registration of the product	POM