Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that interferes with folic acid activation, preventing cell reproduction. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase. Food can interfere with methotrexate absorption, and methotrexate causes stomach upset.

Initial therapy with methotrexate plus doxycycline is more effective than MTX alone among patients with early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis , according to a new study in the February issue of Arthritis one of three groups: 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily with MTX ; or placebo with MTX.