Methotrexate

Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.

Introduction

Generic name: Methotrexate (oral)

Brand names: Trexall, Xatmep

Drug classes: Antimetabolites, Antipsoriatics, Antirheumatics, Other immunosuppressants

Uses

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment of Psoriasis

Benefits

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Folitrax 15 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites.

  • It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked. It is not a first-line treatment.

  • It works by reducing the body’s immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit.

  • Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.

In Treatment of Psoriasis

  • Folitrax 15 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites.

  • It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked.

  • Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Folitrax 15 Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells.

  • It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit.

  • DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Directions for use

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Folitrax 15 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works

Folitrax 15 Tablet is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.

Side effects

Methotrexate can cause serious or fatal side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath

  • Fever, chills, swollen lymph glands, night sweats, weight loss

  • Blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing

  • Vomiting, diarrhea, blood in your urine or stools

  • Skin changes such as redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing

  • Low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath

  • Kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles

  • Liver problems - swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

  • Nerve problems - confusion, weakness, drowsiness, coordination problems, feeling irritable, headache, neck stiffness, vision problems, loss of movement in any part of your body, seizure or

  • Signs of tumor cell breakdown - tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common methotrexate side effects may include:

  • Fever, chills, tiredness, not feeling well

  • Low blood cell counts

  • Mouth sores

  • Nausea, stomach pain

  • Abnormal liver function tests

  • Hair loss

  • Burning skin lesions

  • Being more sensitive to light.

Warnings

  • Methotrexate may cause injury or death to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy to treat arthritis or psoriasis. Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat cancer during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

  • Do not use this medicine to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have low blood cell counts, a weak immune system, alcoholism or chronic liver disease, or if you are breastfeeding.

  • Methotrexate can cause serious or fatal side effects. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, mouth sores, cough, shortness of breath, upper stomach pain, dark urine, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, confusion, seizure, or skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

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