How Do Methotrexate & Cyclosporine Compare?

Methotrexate is a drug that interferes with with the growth of certain cells in the body, such as skin cells, bone marrow cells and cancer cells, all of which reproduce quickly, according to drugs.com. Methotrexate "is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck or lung. It is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis," explains drugs.com, and is given after other treatments fail. Cyclosporine, on the other hand, lowers the body's immune system. It is used "to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, liver or heart transplant or to treat severe psoriasis or severe rheumatoid arthritis," reports drugs.com.

• Methotrexate and Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine Precautions

• There are many things that should be discussed with a doctor before using cyclosporine. Patients with high blood pressure, kidney disease and any type of cancer may not be able to use this medication, according to drugs.com. To prevent side effects, take this medication in two doses at the same times each day. Immediately contact your doctor if there are signs of kidney failure, such as having trouble urinating, drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increase in thirst, complete loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, swelling, weight gain or shortness of breath. Tell your doctor about any other medications or vitamins that you are taking.

Cyclosporine Side Effects

• Serious side effects include urinary retention, drowsiness, mood or personality changes, blurred vision, headache or pain behind the eyes, seizures, weakness and pain in the muscles, abnormal heart beat, lightheadedness, easy bruising and bleeding and changes in skin color. Other serious side effects include stomach pain, itching, dark urine and unusual weakness, according to drugs.com. Less-serious side effects are tremors, increase in hair growth, mild headache, diarrhea, constipation, and numbness or a tingling feeling throughout the body. Contact your doctor if side effects persist or worsen.

Methotrexate Precautions

• It is critical that this medicine is not taken daily. Drugs.com reports that this drug is taken once or twice a week, and patients who have taken it daily have died. The liver, kidney, lungs and bone marrow can be damaged by using this drug, so do not take this drug in large amounts or longer than prescribed. Also, do not take this drug if you have liver disease caused by alcoholism or if you are pregnant. Methotrexate can cause further damage to the liver and can affect unborn babies. Speak with your doctor before use to avoid any adverse effects.

Methotrexate Side Effects

• An allergic reaction characterized by hives, swelling of the face, mouth, lips and tongue is possible while taking Methotrexate. Drugs.com advises patients to seek immediate medical help if they experience any serious side effects, including dry cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, vomiting, sores in the mouth, blood in urine or stool, fever, chills and body aches. Other serious side effects are flu-like symptoms, sore throat, headache, blistering of the skin, pale skin, easy bruising and bleeding, jaundice, lack of appetite and stomach pain. More common side effects are dizziness, mild headache, upset stomach and blurred vision.

Considerations

• Many antibiotics and over-the-counter drugs can interact with both cyclosporine and methotrexate. Discuss this with your doctor. Both drugs are effective in treating psoriasis or severe rheumatoid arthritis, yet cyclosporine can be used for other purposes. Though both cause side effects, it appears that methotrexate causes more serious, life-threatening side effects if misused. Ultimately, it is up to you and your doctor to decide which drug is right for you.