As is the case with any other type of medication, it's important to talk to Dr. Lavery in depth before you begin taking it. He will want to know about your medical history, including any other medications that you may be taking and how you have reacted to other drugs in the past. By knowing those factors, Dr. Lavery can help to limit the side effects that you experience when taking Methotrexate and he can also reduce the possibility for drug interactions, which can be a real problem.
Dr. Lavery will want you to take Methotrexate on a regular basis, although the specific timing of the medication may differ from one person to another. Typically, it is taken on a weekly basis but it is not going to work immediately. You may need to continue to take this drug for several months until you begin to receive the benefit of using it. Dr. Lavery may also want you to use other medications at the same time, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in order to provide immediate relief of the painful symptoms you are experiencing.
If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, you should not use this medication unless you have the specific instructions to do so from your doctor. You should not touch the medication because it can be absorbed through the skin and you should not inhale the dust. These factors and more can be discussed with Dr. Lavery when you begin using the drug so that you get the full benefit of using it.