METHOTREXATE is a type of chemotherapy that is used to treat certain kinds of cancer and other diseases. Methotrexate affects cells that are rapidly growing such as cancer cells, cells of psoriasis, and cells in your mouth and stomach. Methotrexate is used to treat many different types of cancers including leukemias, lymphoma, breast cancer, and others. Lower dose of methotrexate may be given to patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis
Methotrexate is a chemootherapy that is used to treat different kinds of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemias, breast cancer, and other diseases. It can also be used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
you are allergic to Methotrexate, any other medicine, dyes, foods, preservcatives, or other substances
you are taking acitretin
you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and abuse alcohol or have liver problems, an immunodeficiency syndrome (eg, AIDS), bone marrow problems, or blood problems (eg, anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet count)
you have moderate or severe kidney problems
you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
you have a history of lung problems, nervous system problems (eg, seizures), blood problems (eg, anemia, low blood platelets, low white blood cells)
you have mputh sores, stomach or intestinal ulcers, bowel inflammation (eg, ulcerative colitis), or other diseases
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's directions
You may take Methotrexate either with or without food
It is recommended to drink extra fluids while taling Methotrexate
Do not stop taking Methotrexate until your doctor said so
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Methotrexate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Methotrexate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Methotrexate.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common with Methotrexate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to decrease these effects if they occur.
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.
Methotrexate may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Methotrexate. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Methotrexate may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
Methotrexate may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
What medicines may interact with Methotrexate?
warfarin
acitretin
theophylline
cyclosporine
digoxin
Folic acid
leucovorin
trimethoprim
tetracycline
sulfamethoxazole
leflunomide
retinoids
sulfasalazine
azathioprine
chloramphenicol
prednisone
ibuprofen
celecoxib
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your doctor if Methotrexate may interact with other medicines that you take.
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
yellowing of skin or eyes
severe allergic reactions
vision changes or vision loss
black, tarry stools
unusual tiredness or weakness
blood in the urine
unusual pain and discoloration of the skin
calf or leg pain or swelling
unusual bleeding or bruising
change in the amount of urine
speech changes
coma
shortness of breath
confusion
severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
coughing up blood
seizures
dark urine
red, swollen, peeling or blistered skin
diarrhea
mouth sores
difficult or painful urination
mental or mood changes
dry cough
fever, chills, or sore throat
menstrual changes
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
vomiting
dizziness
tiredness
headache
stomach pain or upset
loss of appetite
nausea
mild hair loss
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.