ASPIRIN AND METHOTREXATE
Analgesic-dose aspirin slightly reduces the clearance of methotrexate. Concurrent use may increase the incidence of toxicity (pancytopenia, pneumonitis).
Regular antiplatelet-dose aspirin in patients stabilised on methotrexate seems unlikely to cause a significant problem. With analgesic-dose aspirin the risks are likely to be lowest in those taking low-dose methotrexate for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should be counselled regarding non-prescription aspirin use. Patients should be told to report any sign or symptom suggestive of infection, particularly sore throat (which might possibly indicate that white cell counts have fallen) or dyspnoea or cough (suggestive of pulmonary toxicity).
Regular antiplatelet-dose aspirin in patients stabilised on methotrexate seems unlikely to cause a significant problem. With analgesic-dose aspirin the risks are likely to be lowest in those taking low-dose methotrexate for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should be counselled regarding non-prescription aspirin use. Patients should be told to report any sign or symptom suggestive of infection, particularly sore throat (which might possibly indicate that white cell counts have fallen) or dyspnoea or cough (suggestive of pulmonary toxicity).