See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Methotrexate
What conditions is methotrexate approved to treat?
Methotrexate is used for a range of cancers and autoimmune diseases, depending on the dose and regimen. Common indications include [1][2]:
- Cancer treatment (at specific dosing schedules), such as certain leukemias and cancers
- Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders
How does methotrexate differ by indication (cancer vs autoimmune disease)?
The same medicine can be used in very different ways:
- In cancers, methotrexate is typically given in dosing regimens used for anti-cancer therapy [1].
- In autoimmune conditions, it is used to control abnormal immune activity, such as in rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory diseases [2].
What autoimmune conditions are commonly treated with methotrexate?
Methotrexate is commonly prescribed for autoimmune disease management, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis [2]
- Psoriatic arthritis and severe psoriasis (often as part of guideline-based treatment strategies) [2]
What cancers are commonly listed as methotrexate indications?
Methotrexate is used in oncology as part of treatment protocols for certain malignancies, including cancers of blood and other tissues, depending on the specific regimen [1].
Who should check the exact indication for a specific prescription?
Because methotrexate labeling and dosing differ by country, formulation, and dose strength, the safest way to confirm the exact indication for a particular product is to review:
- The prescribing information for that specific methotrexate product, and
- The clinician’s treatment plan (since dosing schedules vary widely by condition) [1][2]
Important safety note for patients asking about “indications”
Methotrexate has important risks that depend on the dose and underlying condition, so patients should not switch between indications or dosing schedules without medical guidance [1][2].
Sources:
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548392/