Otrexup (Methotrexate) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Otrexup is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people with severe, active rheumatoid arthritis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who are intolerant of or have had an inadequate response to first-line therapy. Otrexup is also referred to by its drug name, methotrexate.

Otrexup is an immunomodulator, a drug that modulates the immune system. Otrexup is also referred to as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or a slow-acting antirheumatic drug (SAARD). It is believed to work by blocking the production of white blood cells called lymphocytes that can attack the joints.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Otrexup is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Otrexup is usually given in a health clinic or doctor’s office. It should be administered according to the frequency specified by a physician.

If your doctor determines it is appropriate, you may self-inject at home. Otrexup comes in a prefilled, single-use syringe. Your doctor will show you how to administer it.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Otrexup lists common side effects including nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, mouth sores, rash, the common cold, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, bronchitis, low blood cell counts, hair loss, dizziness, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin sores.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Otrexup include low sperm cell count, menstrual dysfunction, liver damage, kidney damage, and fetal harm or death.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Otrexup — Antares
www.otrexup.com

Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Otrexup, Rasuvo) — American College of Rheumatology
www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/T...