Overview

Otrexup was a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control the symptoms of severe, disabling psoriasis that was resistant to treatment. Otrexup was prescribed in adult cases where other treatments were not effective. Otrexup was also referred to by its drug name, methotrexate.

Otrexup was an immunomodulator — in other words, a drug that modulated the immune system. Otrexup was also referred to as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or a slow-acting antirheumatic drug (SAARD). It was an antimetabolite that blocked the synthesis of purine, a protein the body needed in order to produce lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell active in the immune system. Otrexup was believed to work by interfering with lymphocytes and preventing them from attacking the tissues.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information stated that Otrexup was administered once a week by subcutaneous injection. Otrexup came in the form of a single-dose auto-injector.

Side effects

The FDA-approved label for Otrexup listed 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 included toxic effects on organ systems, fetal harm, dizziness, fatigue, and impairment of the reproductive system.

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Label: Otrexup- Methotrexate Injection, Solution — DailyMed