No bleeding after methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy

Hi All-

Did anyone not bleed after getting the methotrexate shot? I started bleeding/spotting brown (sometimes red) Monday 1/6 and went to the Dr. Found out I was prego after very faint positive and I knew something was wrong bc the week before I had my period. Dr monitored my hcg all week and it did nothing, remained at 121 and they couldnt find anything on sono. Diagnosed with pregnancy of unknown location, possible ectopic. I have had very light bleeding/spotting all week and it eventually started to have like tiny pieces of what looked like brown tissue in it(sorry tmi)! Yesterday i received the mtx shot and stopped bleeding last night! Has this happened to anyone else, no bleeding? Its kind of the opposite of what I expected and Im nervous abt a rupture..

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I found out this pregnancy was ectopic 10 days ago, and received the 2 shots of methotrexate then. Had an ultrasound today, and the lining of my uterus is still very thick. Hcg is just under 200. One doctor at the Fertility clinic (yes, it has taken months of tests and expensive procedures to even get pregnant, only for it to end like this...) one doctor always gives a second dose of methotrexate and another doctor gives one, and then monitors to see how things go.

I'm wondering if any of you have experience or advise on whether or not the second dose will speed things up. I'm 37 and was so excited for this pregnancy. My doctor said a second dose is not necessary since things are slowly moving in the right direction. I want to be able to try again as soon as possible but until I start bleeding (which I'm told can go on for several weeks) this is just delaying longer and longer. Should I request the second dose??

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Methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy

Care instructions

What is methotrexate?

Methotrexate is a type of medicine that stops cells from dividing. It can be used as a way (other than surgery) to treat a pregnancy that’s implanted outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). It’s given by injection, and usually just 1 dose is given.

You will need to have blood tests to monitor the level of pregnancy hormone in your blood. The methotrexate will stop the pregnancy. The level of pregnancy hormone in your blood should decrease over 2 to 4 days. Based on your blood test results, your doctor will tell you if you need another injection of methotrexate.

What will happen after you get methotrexate?

After you get methotrexate, you may have:

  • mild to moderate cramps or pain in the abdomen (belly)
  • vaginal bleeding (like a period)

Your doctor will likely want you to have a blood test 2 to 3 times a week, for 2 to 3 weeks. This is to see if the methotrexate worked to stop the pregnancy.

What you need to know about this medicine

Side effects of methotrexate may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, or both (for 24 hours)
  • decreased appetite
  • sores in the mouth
  • headache
  • feeling tired
  • redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
  • having trouble sleeping
  • diarrhea
  • hair loss (rare)

How can you care for yourself at home?

If you have nausea, sip clear fluids like ginger ale or soup broth. Try to drink often and eat small amounts of dry, starchy food (like soda crackers or dry toast) every 15 minutes.

To help prevent mouth sores:

  • gently brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with a soft toothbrush
  • rinse your mouth well with club soda or water 4 times a day
  • don’t eat hot or spicy foods

If you need to take pain medicine for symptoms like headache or cramping, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). For 2 days after getting methotrexate, it’s best to take acetaminophen. If the acetaminophen doesn’t help, you can take ibuprofen unless your doctor tells you not to or if you have kidney problems. If you have any questions about medicine, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

To help relax the muscles that cause cramping, you can use a hot water bottle or a heating pad. Make sure you put a cloth between your skin and the heat, so you don’t get a burn. Taking hot baths can also help.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 if you have:

  • heavy vaginal bleeding (soaks more than 1 pad an hour) and you’ve fainted (or feel like you’re going to)
  • swelling in the face, mouth, or tongue
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor or nurse call line (811 in most provinces or territories) now if you have:

  • sudden very bad cramps or pain in your abdomen (belly)
  • blood in your urine or stools (looks like black, sticky tar)
  • burning when you pass urine
  • yellow skin or the whites of your eyes look yellow
  • a bad skin rash
  • chills or fever or both (temperature over 38.5 °C)
  • any bleeding or bruising that isn’t normal for you
  • heavy vaginal bleeding (more than the heaviest period you’ve ever had)
  • a sore throat or a cough

What you need to know when you get this medicine

You must not get pregnant for at least 3 months after having a methotrexate injection. If you’re sexually active, you will need to use a reliable method of birth control. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about birth control.

Washing your hands with soap and water after you go to the bathroom is important. Methotrexate can make your immune system weaker, which means it’s harder for your body to fight infections.

After getting methotrexate, do not have:

  • sex until your doctor tells you that the treatment worked
  • more than 1 drink of alcohol per day for 1 week

After getting methotrexate, do not take:

  • aspirin (ASA) for 2 days
  • penicillin, tetracycline, or minocycline for 2 days

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_pregnancy_ectopic_methotrexate_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: May 5, 2022

Author: Emergency Medicine, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Do you always bleed after methotrexate?

A few days after the injection, it is usual to begin to bleed and this bleeding can last between a few days and up to 6 weeks. It is usual to have some discomfort and pain initially but as long as this is not severe. If your pain is severe, please come into hospital immediately.

What are the signs that methotrexate is working for ectopic pregnancy?

To see if the methotrexate has worked, you will need to return to the clinic to have a blood test 1 week after receiving it. You will need to repeat this test once a week until we can see that there is no more pregnancy hormone left in your body. When this happens, we know that the medication has worked.

When will I get my period after methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?

Some vaginal bleeding may occur after treatment with methotrexate. For some women this lasts for only a few days, for others there may be spotting for up to 6 weeks. When bleeding has stopped, the average time for the first period to arrive is 4 weeks, but it could be anytime between 2 and 10 weeks.

How much bleeding is normal after methotrexate for ectopic?

After your treatment, you may have vaginal bleeding that's like a period. It may last for about a week. You may have belly pain that lasts a few days. The pain may get worse for a day or two about a week after treatment.