Overview

Otrexup is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control the symptoms of severe, disabling psoriasis that is resistant to treatment. Otrexup may be prescribed in adult cases where other treatments are not effective. Otrexup is also referred to by its drug name, methotrexate. Otrexup is an immunomodulator, or in other words, a drug that modulates the immune system. Otrexup is also referred to as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or a slow-acting antirheumatic drug (SAARD). It is an antimetabolite that blocks the synthesis of purine, a protein the body needs in order to produce lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell active in the immune system. Otrexup is believed to work by interfering with lymphocytes and preventing them from attacking the tissues.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Otrexup is administered once a week by subcutaneous injection. Otrexup comes in the form of a single-dose auto-injector.

Side effects

The FDA-approved label for Otrexup lists common side effects including nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, stomatitis/mouth sores, rash, cold symptoms, diarrhea, liver function test abnormalities, vomiting, headache, bronchitis, low blood cell count, alopecia, dizziness, photosensitivity, and “burning of skin lesions.” Rare but serious side effects listed for Otrexup include toxic effects on organ systems, fetal harm, dizziness, fatigue, and impairment of the reproductive system.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Otrexup — Antares Pharma