Methotrexate: What is it? Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist which is used to treat a range of conditions.
What's it good for? Prescribed in low dose it is used for the treatment of severe forms of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is also used as an anti-cancer medication for leukaemia, lymphoma and other cancers.
How does it work? This drug inhibits the enzyme which produces folic acid. Cancer cells need a large supply of folic acid in order to multiply; methotrexate inhibits this process. It is a very potent drug and is usually only used for conditions such as psoriasis and arthritis when they are severe and have not responded to other treatments.
Any contraindications? The risk of serious complications increases if you suffer from diabetes, liver disease, hepatitis C or B, or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. It can also suppress bone marrow and cause lung problems. Alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter preparations should be avoided.
Possible side-effects? Common short-term effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, temporary hair loss and mouth ulcers which can be minimised by decreasing the dose or by taking folic acid supplements. Toxic effects include liver damage, a reduction in fertility and the risk of birth defects. Tests to monitor drug levels, blood count and liver and kidney function are required on a regular basis.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative Remedy: Cranberries and cranberry juice
What is it? Cranberries are a native North American fruit. The berries are used as a food and medicinally in juice form.
What's it good for? Cranberry juice is renowned for its use as a treatment and prevention of urinrary infections, in particular cystitis. Historically, cranberry poultices were used by North American Indians to draw out poison from injuries, and by early American settlers to avoid scurvy.
How does it work? Cranberries contain a component that covers the walls of the bladder, kidneys and interconnecting tubes which prevent bacteria from attaching themselves to these sensitive tissues where they would normally live and multiply. A daily glass of cranberry juice has been found to be 10 times as effective at killing urinary bacteria as conventional antibiotics.
Any contraindications? Anyone with a serious kidney disorder should not take cranberry juice in concentrated form (i.e. as a powder in capsule form) without first checking with their doctor.
Possible side-effects? None known.
Sylvia Thompson