Psoriasis and Antineoplastics

Antineoplastics are prescription medications that are taken on a weekly (not daily) basis, in either oral or injectable form. Antineoplastics are very helpful in reducing psoriasis symptoms but have potentially significant side effects.

Common antineoplastics include methotrexate (Folex, Folex PFS, Methotrexate LPF, Rheumtrex).

People using the methotrexate for psoriasis frequently develop nausea, mouth sores, and other side effects. Evidence indicates that taking folate supplements may help alleviate some of these side effects.²³

Antineoplastics treat psoriasis by interfering with certain types of skin cell growth, thus slowing the process of psoriasis cell reproduction.

Read more details about Antineoplastics.

Antineoplastics are taken on a weekly basis, in either oral or injectable form.

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Mild hair loss
• Headache
• Mouth sores
• Reduced immune function and increased risk of infection

More serious problems may include:

• Blood problems
• Kidney problems
• Stomach or liver problems
• Cancer Lung Inflammation

Note: Methotrexate should not be taken:

• By women who are pregnant or nursing
• By men who want to get their partner pregnant (methotrexate gets into sperm)
• With alcohol
• With non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain medications

23. Duhra P. Treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993;28:466-469.