Before beginning the treatment, the doctor must ensure that there are no contraindications. A blood test is performed to assess the functioning of the kidneys, liver, blood cells, and to screen for potential infections. For women of childbearing age, a pregnancy test is conducted. A chest X-ray is performed in certain cases.
If the results are normal, the treatment is prescribed in the form of tablets or subcutaneous injections, to be taken or administered once a week. The dose of methotrexate typically ranges from 7.5 to 25 mg per week, with an average of 15 mg per week. The tablets can be taken all at once or divided between morning and evening, on the specified day of the week for the treatment. They are swallowed during meals.
In order to monitor your tolerance to the treatment, blood tests are conducted after 7 days, then every 15 days during the first month, followed by once a month every 2 to 3 months. If necessary, your doctor can adjust the dose of methotrexate by increasing or decreasing it. In some cases, treatment monitoring may include regular examinations.
In the case of psoriasis, a chronic disease, the duration of treatment with methotrexate can range from several months to several years, as long as it is tolerated and effective. This is a suspension treatment that does not cure the disease but allows for control of its progression throughout the duration of the treatment.