Methotrexate for Cancer

Methotrexate (MTX, Amethopterin) is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug. That is what doctors will tell you. Let’s clarify it. An antimetabolite if taken literally is a chemical that inhibits or prevents the use of metabolite. Now, a metabolite is a chemical used in the process of metabolism which is the way your body functions on the cellular level.

Methotrexate is also an antifolate drug because it inhibits the use of folic acid which is essential for DNA and RNA production. So if we take it all together, Methotrexate has a toxic effect on cells in your body, preventing them from dividing and growing by preventing folic acid processing.

Methotrexate Sounds Deadly, What is it Used For?

By preventing cell division or growth, you are essentially killing life. Methotrexate is used for the big “C” (cancer) in chemotherapy alone or with other prescription drugs. What better way to kill cancer cells than preventing them from dividing. Methotrexate has other uses as well such as treatment for autoimmune diseases, severe psoriasis (skin disease), for severe rheumatoid arthritis and used as antibiotics. Methotrexate has also been used off-label for multiple sclerosis without FDA approval.

Methotrexate Side Effects

Although the use of Methotrexate sounds great, there are side effects associated with this prescription drug. The mild ones include fever, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and abdominal pain to name a few. Keep in mind that Methotrexate kills off cells and weakens your body. Your body becomes prone to a low white blood cell count which in turn leads to infection and Stomatitis. Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucus lining in your mouth such as gums, tongue, lips, etc.

If you noticed what Methotrexate is used for, the word “severe” usually comes before the name of the disease. Methotrexate does not go into your body, search for a cancer cells or other diseased cells and then attack just them. Methotrexate does not discriminate between cells. It will attack healthy ones as well as cancerous ones but it prefers cells that reproduce quickly such as cancer, bone marrow and skin. That is why Methotrexate is used when most other treatments fail. Keep in mind that everyone will experience different side effects. These side effects can lead to death because of Methotrexate use.

Methotrexate and Pregnancy

Let’s take it one step further. We know it prevents cells from dividing, it does not discriminate and it is used when other treatments fail. What is the worst scenario to use Methotrexate? I think we are on the same page with this: pregnancy. So if you are pregnant, don’t even think about it. Methotrexate stops cell division and a fetus is cells dividing at a rapid rate. The end result is development abnormalities or even pregnancy termination in the early stages. It is just not a good choice for pregnant women. This warning is also included if you are nursing, since Methotrexate is excreted into breast milk.

Have you beaten cancer with Methotrexate?