Methotrexate and Motrin?

[fairy_feet]

I started seeing a new doctor today. I've been taking methotrexate for ankylosing spondylitis for several months, and she told me to continue it. She also told me to begin taking motrin on a regular basis. My previous doctor and many pharmacists have told me that taking both may cause serious side effects. Is there any reliable source that I can use to show my doctor evidence of my fears? She is one of those doctors who ignores everything I say, and I know that she is advising other patients to take both medications.

[tinmuning]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) may interfere with the renal elimination of methotrexate, thus, the effects of methotrexate may be increased. Patients taken these 2 drugs together should be monitored for signs and symptoms of bone marrow suppression and nephrotoxicity.

Should you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, sore throat, chills, fever, rash, unusual bruising or bleeding, jaundice, dark urine, swelling of the extremities, or shortness of breath; please see your doctor immediately. Also avoid taking other over-the-counter NSAIDs.

[fairy_feet]

Wow, bone marrow suppression and nephrotoxicity are serious side effects. How come this doctor wants me to take these two drugs together?

[ladypam]

Maybe your doctor is just not aware of these effects and just do not want to know them. You can present the information on this site to her:

http://www.medscape.com/druginfo/druginteractions?drug_4387=Motrin%20Oral&drug_20909=Methotrexate%20Sodium%20Oral&

or you may want to get a second opinion. Your doctor may have his reasons for prescribing these medications for you. Sometimes, the benefits may outweigh the effects of combining these two medications. As long as your doctor is aware of them, and does specific monitoring and adjustments to your dosage, you may be fine. But if not, then, go see another doctor.

Hope this helps.