Methotrexate Alternatives in Mississippi
Compare generic and therapeutic alternatives to Methotrexate (methotrexate) available at Mississippi pharmacies. Save up to 80% on your prescription — no insurance required.
Top Alternatives in Mississippi
Leflunomide (generic Arava)
therapeutic
Alternative oral DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis
Avg cash price: $40/mo
Adalimumab biosimilar (Hadlima)
therapeutic
Biologic DMARD for RA — more powerful but far more expensive
Avg cash price: $1200/mo
Hydroxychloroquine (generic Plaquenil)
therapeutic
Mild DMARD — used in early RA or in combination
Avg cash price: $25/mo
Mississippi Prescription Assistance Programs
Mississippi Medicaid Rx
Prescription drug coverage for Mississippi Medicaid (Division of Medicaid) beneficiaries.
Eligibility: Mississippi has not expanded Medicaid. Coverage is primarily for children, pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities at low income thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is methotrexate used for rheumatoid arthritis?
Methotrexate is the anchor DMARD for RA — it reduces disease activity, slows joint damage, and has decades of safety data. At low weekly doses used in RA, it is very different from high-dose cancer chemotherapy.
What side effects should I watch for with methotrexate for RA?
Key monitoring points include: mouth sores (take folic acid 1 mg/day to reduce), liver function tests (regular LFT monitoring), pulmonary symptoms (rare pneumonitis), and blood counts. Do not drink alcohol regularly while on methotrexate.
Do I need to take folic acid with methotrexate?
Yes — folic acid 1 mg daily (or 5 mg weekly) significantly reduces methotrexate side effects like mouth ulcers, nausea, and liver toxicity without impairing its therapeutic effect.
Can methotrexate be combined with a biologic like Humira?
Yes — the combination of methotrexate and an anti-TNF biologic like adalimumab is more effective than either alone for RA. Methotrexate also reduces the formation of anti-drug antibodies to biologics.
How does methotrexate cost compare to biologic DMARDs?
Generic methotrexate costs $20–$40/month — compared to $1,000+ for biosimilars and $6,000+ for brand Humira. It remains the most cost-effective DMARD available and is recommended as first-line before biologics.