How effective is methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?

Methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancy has a very good success rate (over 95 per cent) and, in small doses, is safe to use with few side effects. It also avoids the use of a general anaesthetic and the need for surgery.

How long does methotrexate take to work for ectopic?

When this happens, we know that the medication has worked. This can take at least 4-6 weeks.

What is the success rate of methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?

According to the statistics in the literature, the success rate of MTX treatment varies from 65 to 95%, with a mean rate of 82%, and the fertility rate with delivery after medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy is 67–80.7%, which is not less than that after conservative and radical surgery [4,5,6,7], [8,9,10,11,12].

Does methotrexate terminate ectopic pregnancy?

Methotrexate works by stopping the growth of the fertilized egg before a rupture occurs. Sometimes, methotrexate is combined with surgery to treat an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the medicine removes fetal cells left behind after surgery.

What happens if methotrexate doesn’t work for ectopic pregnancy?

If methotrexate therapy doesn’t work, surgery is the next step. It’s also the only option for women with high hCG levels, severe symptoms, and ruptured or damaged fallopian tubes. You may have laparoscopic surgery that involves a very small cut and a tiny camera.

Can hCG go up after methotrexate?

Serum hCG levels rise immediately after MTX administration for ectopic pregnancy in 50%-70% of patients.

Can your tube rupture after methotrexate?

There is still around a one in 14 chance of your fallopian tubes splitting open (rupture) after medical treatment with methotrexate, even if your hCG levels are going down. Therefore, be aware of the potential symptoms of a rupture and be ready to call an ambulance if you think a rupture has occurred.

How quickly does hCG drop after methotrexate?

Conclusions. We have found that a fall in serum hCG between days 0–4 after single-dose methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy (where the pre-treatment serum hCG is ≤3000 IU/L), predicts treatment success in 85% of cases, with no further intervention required (medical or surgical).

How long does it take for hCG to get to zero after methotrexate?

You will have your blood taken several times in the weeks after the methotrexate injection. This is to make sure your pregnancy hormone level (HCG) is getting lower. This shows that the pregnancy has ended and the fetus is no longer growing. It may take about 4 weeks for your level to drop to zero.

What happens after methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?

About two to seven days after the injection you will probably have some pain in your lower abdomen. It should not be severe and lasts four to 12 hours. You can also expect to have vaginal bleeding which is light or like a period. This lasts a few days but you may have a brown discharge for two to three weeks.

Can a fetus survive methotrexate?

During a fetal anatomy sonogram at 18 weeks’ gestation, multiple anomalies were noted and later confirmed at fetopsy. Methotrexate can remain in human tissue for up to 8 months, putting a fetus at risk for exposure even after a mother has discontinued the drug.

How can you tell if methotrexate is working?

Official Answer. If methotrexate is working for your rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you should experience fewer severe arthritis symptoms (such as fewer swollen or painful joints) and be able to move and complete day-to-day activities more easily.

How soon after methotrexate will I start bleeding?

A few days after the injection, it is usual to begin to bleed and this bleeding can last between a few days and up to 6 weeks. It is usual to have some discomfort and pain initially but as long as this is not severe.

What should I avoid after methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?