Methotrexate Side Effects

Common side effects of methotrexate are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side adverse reactions are severe or if they do not go away in a few days.

• Mouth sores
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Swollen and painful gums
• Reduced appetite
• Hair loss
• Red eyes
• Malaise and fatigue
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some of the adverse effects of methotrexate can be more serious. Patients receiving methotrexate should call one of their healthcare professionals right away or seek emergency medical help if they experience the following signs and symptoms while on methotrexate:

• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden loss of vision 
• Blurred vision 
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Weakness or difficulty moving one or both sides of the body
• Slurred speech
• Urgent or frequent urination
• Numbness or weakness of arm or leg

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of methotrexate. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

MethotrexateOverdose: In case of an accidental or intentional overdose of methotrexate, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If a person has collapsed, cannot breathe, or has had a seizure, call 911. 

NOTE: Methotrexate is a prescription medicine intended to be used only by you—never share your medicine with others or use someone else’s methotrexate.

Source: FDA