taking any new medicine can be intimidating, especially one you might have to take for the rest of your life. methotrexate slows down the progression [of inflammation] so it reduces the destruction of the joints.” the distinction between using methotrexate to treat cancer and to treat rheumatoid arthritis is important. “i like to say it’s the difference between swimming in a pool and drinking a glass of water. many ra patients will start to experience an improvement in symptoms after …