Side Effects of Methotrexate Therapy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
June 2021
in “
Immunopathologia Persa
”
Studysummary This study observed that among Iranian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate treatment was discontinued or reduced in nearly half of the cases due to side effects such as nausea, flu-like symptoms, hepatotoxicity, and hair loss, with hepatotoxicity linked to higher doses and longer treatment duration.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In a study of 300 Iranian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate therapy was effective but had side effects in 49.66% of cases, leading to discontinuation or dose reduction. The most common side effects included nausea (23%), flu-like symptoms (8%), hepatotoxicity (12%), and hair loss (6%). Hepatotoxicity was linked to longer treatment duration, higher initial doses, and the presence of specific antibodies. Concurrent use of leflunomide increased the risk of hepatotoxicity. The study concluded that methotrexate's side effects were influenced by dosage, antibody levels, and concurrent drug use, with limitations including self-reported data and lack of liver biopsies.
