ask: what are the risks of using methotrexate?

Dear Anon, thank you for your posting. Are you taking this drug because of a diagnosis of cancer or do you have a case of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis? Methotrexate is used for several conditions besides cancer. If cancer is not an issue in your case, have you looked into more natural approaches?

Although literature in Methotrexate states that this is a well tolerated drug, it is also known to cause severe toxicity of the liver, kidneys and bone marros when taken in high doses and long term. People taking this drug should make sure to monitor the liver and kidney functions with routine blood tests ordered by your doctor.

In my opinion, most pharmaceuticals have effects on many body organs and the liver is the most important in the processing of everything we get in the body. So make sure to detoxify your liver from time to time. There are many ways to do it naturally.

Thanks for posting this, good question. Methotrexate is used for a number of different illnesses and like any drug, it has its side effects. Liver damage (or hepatic toxicity) is one of them. With that being said though, it is important that when you are on any drug regimen that you are being closely monitored by your doctor. A simple blood test to check your liver enzymes can help ease your mind about causing any damage. Usually, at the first sign of elevated enzymes your PCP will most likely decrease the amount of medication or stop the treatment and consider another drug of choice. Is there a reason why you seem worried about this? Or is it based on what you have read about hepatic toxicity in your research?
Since Methotrexate has the potential for liver damage, I would recommend consulting with your PCP if you have any previous history with your liver. If he or she still decides to add this to your drug regimen, proceed with care. As a rule of thumb it is a great idea to familiarize yourself with all drugs you may be on for potential drug interaction.

You can do a little more reading about it on this site:
AmericanFamilyPhysician

Hope to have helped!