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Can I take Aspirin and Methotrexate together?

Drug interaction guide

Taking aspirin with methotrexate can significantly increase the levels of methotrexate in your blood. This can lead to serious side effects, including damage to your bone marrow (which helps fight infection), kidney problems, and severe stomach or mouth ulcers.

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Why this happens

Aspirin interferes with how your kidneys remove methotrexate from your body. It also 'bumps' methotrexate off the proteins in your blood that normally keep it inactive, leaving more of the active drug to cause potential harm.

What you should do

Do not take aspirin (including low-dose 'baby' aspirin) while taking methotrexate unless your specialist doctor has specifically told you to do so. If you need pain relief, paracetamol is usually a safer choice. If you are already taking both, contact your doctor immediately if you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, a sore throat, or mouth ulcers.

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Using other medicines?

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.

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Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 24 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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