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Methotrexate patient counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareMethotrexate patient counsellingGPhC CRA

A 59-year-old woman is newly prescribed methotrexate 10mg once weekly and folic acid 5mg once weekly on a different day. She has been given 2.5mg tablets. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: CTake methotrexate on the same day each week and report mouth ulcers, bruising or breathlessness.

Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis is usually taken once weekly, and daily dosing is a serious safety risk. Patients should know toxicity warning symptoms such as mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising, infection or breathlessness. Folic acid timing should follow the prescriber's directions.

Reference: BNF; MHRA Drug Safety Update