Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): Methotrexate Injection
Technical/Medical Term: Methotrexate Sodium, 5 mg (HCPCS Code: J9250)

Summary

Methotrexate sodium injection is a procedure wherein a small dose of the medication methotrexate is administered to treat various medical conditions, including certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Used to treat cancers like leukemia, breast cancer, and lung cancer, as well as autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
• Goals/Outcomes: To slow down the growth of cancer cells or to modulate the immune system in autoimmune diseases, reducing symptoms and achieving remission.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Indicated for patients with specific cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ectopic pregnancy, and other medical conditions responsive to methotrexate.
• Patient Criteria: Suited for patients diagnosed with the above conditions who have been evaluated and found appropriate for methotrexate therapy.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: May include fasting, avoiding certain medications, or alcohol before the procedure. Adequate hydration is usually encouraged.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Blood tests to check liver and kidney function, complete blood count, and possibly imaging studies.

Procedure Description

• Steps:
  1. Patient is positioned comfortably.
  2. The injection site is cleaned to prevent infection.
  3. Methotrexate sodium is injected intravenously or intramuscularly by a healthcare professional.
• Tools/Equipment: Syringe, methotrexate sodium solution, antiseptic wipes.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required, although some patients might receive a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort.

Duration

The injection procedure itself typically takes a few minutes, though preparation and post-procedure monitoring may extend the overall visit.

Setting

Methotrexate injections are typically administered in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or specialized medical office.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Administered by trained nurses or physicians. A pharmacist may also be involved in preparing the medication dose.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Nausea, fatigue, mild pain or discomfort at the injection site.
• Rare Risks: Liver damage, kidney damage, lung issues, and risk of serious infections.
• Management: Regular monitoring through blood tests, and immediate medical attention if severe side effects occur.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction in tumor size, remission of cancer, alleviation of symptoms in autoimmune diseases.
• Realization: Benefits may be seen within days to weeks, depending on the condition being treated.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Patients might be monitored briefly for adverse reactions. Instructions will include hydration and possibly resting.
• Recovery Time: Varies depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment. Regular follow-up appointments are common.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Surgery, radiation therapy, other chemotherapy drugs, biologic agents for autoimmune diseases.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives might have different side effect profiles or effectiveness levels — a healthcare provider will discuss these with the patient.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Some slight discomfort or a mild sting when the injection is given.
• After Procedure: May experience mild side effects like fatigue or nausea, usually manageable with supportive care.