Gynecomastia associated with low-dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis ameliorated by folate supplement

Rheumatol Int. 2010 Aug;30(10):1371-2. doi: 10.1007/s00296-009-1062-9. Epub 2009 Jul 12.

Abstract

A 62-year-old male with a 10-year history of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) developed gynecomastia 8 months after beginning oral low-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Two months after folate supplementation, the gynecomastia symptoms improved. Gynecomastia associated with low-dose MTX is a rare occurrence, with only nine cases previously reported in the literature. This is the first report showing folate supplementation to be effective against gynecomastia following low-dose MTX. Although it occurs infrequently, gynecomastia associated with low-dose MTX therapy should be considered in male patients with RA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Gynecomastia / chemically induced
  • Gynecomastia / diet therapy
  • Gynecomastia / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mammography
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Folic Acid
  • Methotrexate