Methotrexate is a medicine that can be used to treat an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that grows outside your uterus (womb), most commonly in a fallopian tube. It's a pregnancy that cannot survive and can be life-threatening as it can rupture causing a lot of bleeding and pain. Read more about ectopic pregnancy.
Methotrexate blocks folic acid, stops cells from growing and ends the pregnancy. The pregnancy is then absorbed by your body over 4 to 6 weeks.
Not every person with an ectopic pregnancy can be treated with methotrexate.
- Methotrexate may be used if the pregnancy hasn't damaged a fallopian tube.
- If you're given methotrexate you will need to have blood tests before and after to check your pregnancy hormones.
- You won't be able to use methotrexate if you are breastfeeding or have certain health problems.
Your doctor will talk to you about whether methotrexate injection is suitable for you.