Other side effects
Taking methotrexate can cause a high increase in liver values, which can lead to a risk of severe liver damage. Therefore, liver values (GPT, GOT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) should be checked regularly by taking blood samples during therapy with methotrexate. Furthermore, the additional administration of folic acid during therapy is recommended, as this can counteract an increase in liver enzymes.
Due to the severe liver damage, further liver-damaging substances or drugs should be avoided during therapy with methotrexate, as the risk of liver damage is greatly increased. This includes alcohol, which is broken down by the liver and therefore places additional stress on the liver. However, severe liver damage or inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) is only a rare side effect.
More often, the therapy results in an increase in liver values, fatty degeneration of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver. In liver cirrhosis, the liver tissue is transformed into connective tissue that cannot take over the tasks of the liver cells. In addition to liver damage, a whole range of other side effects can also occur, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Furthermore, infections can also occur more easily. Damage to the kidneys has also been observed, since methotrexate is excreted through the kidneys.