Methotrexate for Ectopic Pregnancy

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Severe side effects from methotrexate are most likely to develop with long-term use, such as when it is used for cancer treatment.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Hives.
• Severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
• Bloody vomit.
• Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.
• Sores in the mouth or on the lips.

Common side effects include:

• Mild abdominal (belly) pain. Cramping belly pain is the most common side effect. It usually occurs during the first 2 to 3 days of treatment.
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
• Fatigue, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Rare side effects include:

• Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
• Inflammation of the membrane covering the eye.
• Sore mouth and throat.
• Temporary hair loss.
• Severe low blood counts (bone marrow suppression).
• Inflammation of the lung (pneumonitis).

Because of the risk of side effects, methotrexate treatment requires close medical supervision by a doctor who is experienced with this medicine. During methotrexate treatment, keep your doctor informed of any symptoms that you have.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.