Methotrexate-Induced Papular Eruption Following Treatment of Psoriasis

A case of a 52-year-old woman presenting with an extensive flare of psoriasis associated with joint pain, especially in her knees and elbows on being treated with intramuscular injections of methotrexate 20 mg/wk has been published in the latest issue of The Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

According to the Naranjo probability scale, the papular eruption was probably caused by methotrexate. The drug was discontinued and papular lesions gradually disappeared.

Source: Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2007;42(1):138-141.

http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/abstract/42/1/138

Intramuscular Methotrexate-Induced Aseptic Meningitis

A case of a 62-year-old male presenting on 3 separate occasions with symptoms consistent with aseptic meningitis: 2 requiring hospitalization and 1 noted during a subsequent ambulatory care visit, has been published in the latest issue of Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

Methotrexate-induced aseptic meningitis has been reported in the literature; however, in those cases, the effect occurred only when methotrexate was given via the intrathecal route. The Naranjo probability scale indicates a probable relationship between the development of the condition and the methotrexate use in this patient.

Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2007;41(11):1906-1911.

http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/abstract/41/11/1906

China stops sale of Methotrexate

China's drug safety agency has suspended sales of Methotrexate, a drug used to treat acute leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sales of methotrexate produced by Shanghai Hualian Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have been suspended because it caused an adverse reaction in several child leukemia patients in three hospitals in Shanghai and the southern province of Guangxi.

Some children felt pain in their legs while others experienced difficulty in walking after being injected with methotrexate numbered 070403A and 070403B.

Source: Reuters

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSPEK1476920070707