Uses
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.
How to use Trexall
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking methotrexate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Methotrexate is a strong medication. The dosage and how often you take this medication are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. There are many different dosing schedules for this medication (especially for cancer treatment). Taking this medication the wrong way may cause serious side effects, including death. It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
For the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. It may take up to several months before you get the full benefit of this drug.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Doing so helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mouth sores, diarrhea, signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, pale skin), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin), easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, bone pain, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), dry cough, muscle weakness.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: weakness on one side of the body, neck stiffness, severe headache, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes, seizures.
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking methotrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease (such as pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders, stomach/intestinal diseases (such as peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency.
Methotrexate can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using methotrexate before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.
Methotrexate must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start this medication. You should not become pregnant while using methotrexate. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner become pregnant, or think you are pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
Methotrexate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for at least 1 week after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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