Can methotrexate be used to treat osteoarthritis?
First you have to understand that there is no cure for OA. Methotrexate is
the drug of choice for rheumatic arthritis. However, there are some physicians who
also use methotrexate to treat pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Several
small studies have shown that methotrexate can provide mild pain relief in
patients with OA. However, before you jump in line to get your methotrexate prescription;
be well informed of the drug's adverse effects, which are quite unpleasant.
These adverse effects range from nausea, vomiting, general fatigue to severe
liver disease.
Methotrexate treatment for OA should be considered experimental
until we have more data. At the moment the drug's adverse effects override any
benefit. So I would caution you against using it. It remains the drug of choice
for rheumatoid arthritis, which is a completely different disease from
osteoarthritis.
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