Rasuvo vs. Otrexup for Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Rasuvo

(methotrexate)

Otrexup

(methotrexate)

Summary for Rasuvo

Prescription only

Rasuvo (methotrexate) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), and severe psoriasis when other treatment options haven't worked well. It's a once-weekly injection under the skin on the stomach or thigh. The medication can potentially cause many side effects in different parts of your body, so you'll need regular lab tests done so your provider can monitor you. Rasuvo (methotrexate) isn't safe during pregnancy because it can harm unborn babies.

Indications for Rasuvo

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children
Psoriasis in adults

Pros and Cons for Rasuvo

Pros

A good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills
Only need to take it once a week
Available as a prefilled autoinjector
Conveniently stored at room temperature

Cons

Must get lab tests done regularly to check for side effects
Can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk for sunburns
Not available as a lower-cost generic
Can't use while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Rasuvo

Change in liver lab test results
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling or sores in the mouth
Burning of psoriasis skin lesions
Skin more sensitive to sunlight
Low platelet levels

Warnings for Rasuvo

Serious damage to different parts of the body
Severe allergic and skin reactions
Risk of infections, bleeding, and anemia due to low blood cells
Harm to unborn babies
Possible infertility (not able to have children)
Risk of cancer
Tumor lysis syndrome

Summary for Otrexup

Prescription only

Otrexup (methotrexate) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that's used for certain autoimmune conditions. It can treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), and severe psoriasis when other treatment options haven't worked well. Otrexup (methotrexate) is available as an autoinjector. The medication is injected under the skin once a week. Side effects include nausea and liver test changes.

Indications for Otrexup

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children
Psoriasis in adults

Pros and Cons for Otrexup

Pros

Only need to take once a week
Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Conveniently stored at room temperature

Cons

Can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk for sunburns
Many serious risks that affect many different parts of the body (e.g., lungs, liver, kidney, skin)
Can't use while pregnant or breastfeeding