People taking methotrexate for a variety of conditions have been warned by the NHS that a number of symptoms and side effects may warrant a trip to A&E or a call to 999. Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant medication that helps to slow down the body's immune system with the goal of reducing inflammation.

It is typically prescribed to treat a wide variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. In some cases, it may also be prescribed as a cancer treatment plan.

Typically, it is prescribed as a tablet, a liquid that you swallow, or a pre-filled injection pen or syringe to be injected through the skin. While methotrexate can be helpful in treating these conditions, there are also a number of serious side effects which may be a cause for concern for some people.

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Some serious side effects associated with methotrexate are considered rare and happen in less than 1 in 10,000 people. Regardless, the NHS advises you speak to your doctor or call 111 if you experience the following:

• Swollen hands, feet or ankles alongside difficulty breathing as this could be a kidney problem


• Persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, as this could be inflammation in the lungs


• Yellowing of eyes, or skin, which could be a sign of liver problems


• Bleeding gums, vomiting blood, unexplained bruising, and blood in urine which could signify a blood disorder


• High temperature, sore throat, and achy muscles, which may be a sign of an infection

However, in some cases, you may experience a serious allergic reaction due to the methotrexate, known as anaphylaxis. In this case, the NHS urges people to 'call 999 now.

Symptoms of this can include:

• Swelling of lips, throat, or tongue


• Tight feeling in throat or struggling to swallow


• Confusion


• Fainting without being able to be woken up


• Skin, lips, or tongue turning blue, pale, or grey


• Very fast breathing or struggling to breathe

Full details on methotrexate can be found on the NHS website here.