what is methotrexate used for

Methotrexate is a medication used to treat various conditions, including inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis. It is also used to treat severe active rheumatoid arthritis that cannot be controlled by certain other medications. Methotrexate is in a class of medications called antimetabolites and works by decreasing inflammation, which can reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer including cancers that begin in the tissues that form around a fertilized egg in the uterus, breast cancer, lung cancer, certain cancers of the head and neck, certain types of lymphoma, and leukemia. Methotrexate is also sometimes used to treat Crohns disease. It is important to note that Methotrexate should be used only to treat cancer or severe diseases caused by an overactive immune system such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis. Before starting Methotrexate, lab and/or medical tests should be done, such as complete blood cell counts, liver and kidney function tests, pregnancy test, and chest X-ray.