Ectopic Pregnancy and Methotrexate
An ectopic pregnancy is one that occurs outside of the uterus. Almost all of these occur in a fallopian tube. Rarely, the growing embryo will attach to the ovary or another organ. As it grows, it can cause the tube to rupture. If this happens, it causes major internal bleeding and can be life threatening.
Surgery may be needed to remove the ectopic pregnancy and possibly the tube if the pregnancy is small and has not ruptured. A thin scope is put into your abdomen through a small incision. It allows the doctor to see inside your body and perform the needed surgery. Sometimes medication can be used instead of surgery for a small ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor will suggest the treatment that is best for you.
Methotrexate is a drug that stops the growth of the fetus. It is given by a shot in the muscle. If caught early, this can treat up to 85-95% of ectopic pregnancies. You will be given a prescription for methotrexate. Please take it to the UW Pharmacy on the second floor. When it is ready (in about 2 hours) bring the drug back to our clinic for injection.
You will have blood drawn to test the function of various organs and for the level of the pregnancy hormone HCG. You will have HCG levels drawn at frequent times during the next 3-4 weeks. If the level of HCG has not decreased enough, you may have to return to the office for a second shot of methotrexate.
It will take 4-6 weeks for the HCG level to return to normal. It is vital that you keep having HCG levels drawn until they return to normal.
You are still at risk for your tube to rupture while you are taking methotrexate. Call the office if you have any of these symptoms that could mean rupture of the tube:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Major increase in abdominal pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than a pad or tampon every hour)
- Dizziness, fainting or rapid heartbeat
Your feelings after ectopic pregnancy can run the spectrum from mild blues to full depression. The milder forms are more common. If you need extra support, please call the clinic. We have a trained counselor who can talk with you about your feelings and ways to deal with loss.
Phone Numbers
UW Health Fertility Clinic, Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm (608) 263-0500
After hours, weekends or holidays, call (608) 262-0486. This is the paging operator. Ask for your doctor. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 03/10/2008
Copyright © 03/10/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6155
Print Health Fact For You