Methotrexate 7.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Rheumatoid arthritis – the first-choice disease-modifying drug to control joint inflammation and prevent damage; Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that is severe or widespread.
Listed MRPs range from ₹2.50 to ₹19.73 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate Tablets IP 7.5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹25.00 | ₹2.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mevotrex 7.5 | Vasu Organics Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹119.70 | ₹11.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Imutrex 7.5 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹121.90 | ₹12.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Methora 7.5 | Hetero Healthcare Limited | 4 | ₹54.00 | ₹13.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Oncotrex 7.5 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹162.00 | ₹16.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mext 7.5 | Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹179.00 | ₹17.90 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mexate 7.5 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹179.68 | ₹17.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folitrax 7.5 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 5 | ₹98.67 | ₹19.73 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Rheumatoid arthritis – the first-choice disease-modifying drug to control joint inflammation and prevent damage.
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that is severe or widespread.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children, under a specialist.
- Other autoimmune conditions such as lupus, Crohn's disease, vasculitis, and some cancers at much higher doses in hospital.
How to take it
Take methotrexate ONCE A WEEK, on the same day every week – never daily. Taking it every day by mistake has caused deaths. Write the day on the strip and tell your family. Swallow the tablet(s) whole with water, with or without food, and wash your hands after handling. Your doctor will usually prescribe folic acid 5 mg on a different day of the week (never the same day) to reduce nausea, mouth ulcers and hair thinning. You will need regular blood tests (blood counts, liver and kidney) every few weeks at first and then every 2 to 3 months. It takes 6 to 12 weeks to work for arthritis – do not stop early. See a doctor urgently for fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising, breathlessness or a dry cough.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain or diarrhoea – usually on the day of the dose.
- Mouth ulcers, sore gums.
- Tiredness, headache, dizziness.
- Hair thinning (usually not permanent).
- Skin becomes sensitive to sunlight.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Low blood counts – fever, sore throat, chills, unusual bruising or bleeding; infections become serious quickly.
- Liver damage – yellow skin or eyes, dark urine; the risk rises with alcohol and long use.
- Lung inflammation – new dry cough, breathlessness, fever – needs urgent review.
- Kidney problems – swelling of feet, passing less urine; and severe skin rashes.
Safety information
Alcohol
Keep alcohol to a bare minimum or avoid it – both methotrexate and alcohol stress the liver and the combination causes liver scarring.
Pregnancy
Methotrexate causes birth defects and miscarriage. Women must use reliable contraception during treatment and for 6 months after stopping; men for 3 months after stopping. Do not breastfeed while taking it.
Kidney problems
Methotrexate is removed by the kidneys; weak kidneys let it build up to toxic levels. Kidney tests are checked before and during treatment and the dose is lowered or stopped if function falls. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration (vomiting, diarrhoea, heat).
Liver problems
Avoid in significant liver disease or hepatitis B/C. Liver tests are monitored throughout.
Children
Used in children with juvenile arthritis under a paediatric rheumatologist with careful weekly dosing and blood tests.
Missed dose
If you remember within 2 days, take it then and continue on your usual day. If more than 2 days late, skip it and contact your doctor. Never take two weekly doses together.
Interactions
- Painkillers – NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen, aspirin in high doses can raise methotrexate levels; use only as your rheumatologist allows and paracetamol is safer for extra pain.
- Co-trimoxazole (Septran/Bactrim) and trimethoprim – a dangerous combination that can crash blood counts; avoid.
- Acidity tablets – omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole – can increase methotrexate levels with regular use; tell your doctor.
- Other folate-blocking or liver-stressing drugs – leflunomide, retinoids (isotretinoin), and alcohol.
- Live vaccines (MMR, yellow fever, oral polio, chickenpox) – avoid while on methotrexate; flu and pneumonia shots are recommended.
- Antibiotics such as penicillins, ciprofloxacin – can reduce removal of methotrexate; mention it to every doctor you see.
Frequently asked questions
Is Folitrax 7.5 taken daily or weekly?
Once a week only. For arthritis and psoriasis, methotrexate is a weekly medicine – for example every Sunday. Taking it daily is a serious, sometimes fatal overdose. Mark the day on your strip and ask your chemist to confirm the dose on the label.
Why do I have to take folic acid with Folitrax?
Methotrexate blocks the body's use of folate, which causes nausea, mouth ulcers, hair loss and low blood counts. Folic acid tablets (usually 5 mg) replace it and reduce these side effects without weakening the effect on arthritis. Take it on a different day from methotrexate, not the same day.
How long does methotrexate take to work in rheumatoid arthritis?
Usually 6 to 12 weeks for a clear benefit, and the dose may be increased step by step. Your doctor may give a short course of steroids or painkillers to cover this period. Do not stop early because you feel no difference.
Can I drink alcohol while on Mexate 7.5?
It is best to avoid alcohol, or keep it to very occasional small amounts. Methotrexate and alcohol both damage the liver, and together they can cause scarring (fibrosis) over time. Your liver tests will be monitored regularly.
What blood tests are needed on methotrexate?
A complete blood count, liver function tests and kidney function (creatinine) before starting, every 2 to 4 weeks for the first few months, then every 2 to 3 months once stable. A chest X-ray and hepatitis B/C tests are usually done before starting. Never skip these tests.
Can I get pregnant while taking methotrexate?
No. Methotrexate causes miscarriage and serious birth defects. Use reliable contraception and stop methotrexate at least 6 months before trying to conceive (3 months for men). Tell your rheumatologist as soon as you plan a pregnancy – safer alternatives exist.
Which painkiller is safe with methotrexate?
Paracetamol is the safest choice for extra pain. Regular NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen or aceclofenac can raise methotrexate levels and strain the kidneys, so use them only if your rheumatologist has approved. Never take co-trimoxazole (Septran) with methotrexate.
Folitrax 7.5 vs Folitrax 10 – what is the difference?
Only the amount of methotrexate per tablet. Doctors often start at 7.5 mg weekly and increase in steps to 10, 15 or 20 mg depending on response and blood tests. Never change the strength yourself.
Does methotrexate cause hair loss?
Mild hair thinning is fairly common at arthritis doses and is usually not permanent. Folic acid supplementation reduces it. Sudden heavy hair loss should be reported to your doctor, as the dose may need review.
Sources
- NHS – Methotrexate (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Methotrexate (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms