Pontos importantes a serem observados:
Table VII. Canadian rheumatologists’ recommended patient information when prescribing
methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.
Category Item Description
Blood testing: Have your blood tested EVERY MONTH. This is important to
make sure methotrexate isn’t harming your LIVER or BLOOD COUNTS.
Pregnancy: Methotrexate can harm an unborn child. If you are having sex
or thinking of having sex and could get pregnant, consult your
doctor about continuing to take methotrexate.
Alcohol : Drinking alcohol while taking methotrexate could damage
your liver. It is best to AVOID ALCOHOL
Dosing: Take your methotrexate only ONCE A WEEK. Choose the
same day of the week to be your “Methotrexate Day”.
Lung toxicity: Methotrexate rarely causes a serious lung problem. Call your
doctor and STOP taking the methotrexate if you have NEW
SHORTNESS OF BREATH (at rest) but don’t have a heavy
cold (runny nose and fever) or a NEW DRY COUGH for several weeks
Infection: Methotrexate can make it harder for you to fight infections.
It is best to stop taking methotrexate if you have a fever or
think you have an infection. Phone your doctor for advice.
Drug interactions: You must not take SULFA ANTIBIOTICS, such as co-trimoxazole
(Septra) or trimethoprim, while taking methotrexate
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Comentário: esses fatos já nos são bem conhecidos. Mas não custa relembrar dessa série de cuidados. Na edição passada dos Resumos, foi falado de medidas de prevenção de malpractice por parte do Reumatologista. A lembrança desses cuidados enriquece a segurança do tratamento.
Sugiro salvar este trabalho para futuras consultas.