General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Trexall (Duramed pharmaceuticals inc.)
Rheumatrex (Stada pharmaceuticals)
Biotrexate (Biochem)
Caditrex (Cadila)
Imutrex ( Cipla)
Methotrexate is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Methotrexate is pronounced as: (meth oh TREX ate)
Methotrexate is also used in treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate should be taken on empty stomach however it can be taken with food to avoid gastric discomfort.
Do not take it with milk or milk related products.
Do not take methotrexate if you are suffering from bone marrow disorder and liver disease and kidney disease.
Children:
Methotrexate is safe to use in children for cancer therapy and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Old people:
Caution is advised for usage in older people above 65 years of age due to decreased hepatic and renal function.
Pregnant woman:
Methotrexate belongs to FDA pregnancy category X. This means that methotrexate will cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. The use of this drug in pregnancy clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Do not use methotrexate if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women:
Methotrexate passes into breast milk and harm nursing baby. Do not use methotrexate if you are breastfeeding your child.
Other:
Methotrexate is available in the form of tablet.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Methotrexate is prescribed as once / twice in a week and you need to take it for longer time to have desired affect.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
Over dosage symptoms are
- Pale skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Black stools
- Renal failure
Methotrexate side effects are
- Nausea and stomach ache
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in the urine
- Dizziness and drowsiness
Consult your doctor if any of the above side effects become worse.
Store methotrexate at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C / 59 – 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any left over portion is disposed off safely.
Doctor prescribes this medication based on the severity of the condition. It is prescribed for cancer therapy and sever from psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
For people with reduced renal function careful monitoring of side effects by physician is required.
Do not skip any doses of methotrexate. Continue to take it even when you feel better. You must complete the entire course of medication.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: May 15, 2012