This medication has many effects on the body, but no one knows exactly how methotrexate works to improve arthritis. Methotrexate can be taken in pill or shot form. The pill form of methotrexate is sold under the brand name of Rheumatrex. Methotrexate is safest when it is taken infrequently.
Most persons take methotrexate only once per week.
No more methotrexate would be taken until the next Wednesday when 3 pills again would be ingested. Yet, some people need larger doses for adequate control of their arthritis, and increases in the dose are made every 4 to 8 weeks. Some persons require 8 pills or more per week to treat their arthritis. Even so, all pills may be taken simultaneously. Most people take methotrexate with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset and nausea.