Warning: the next following following text is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment & expertise of your pharmacist. it must not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your physician before using this medication.

Methotrexate - oral

(meth-oh-trex-ate)

common brand names: Rheumatrex

Warning: rarely, methotrexate has caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, it medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe cases about psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate has caused birth defects & fetal death. women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking this drug. Pregnant gir who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate. (See also Precautions) If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your pharmacist. Infrequently, methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has caused severe (sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression (decreasing your body's ability to fight infections) & stomach/intestinal disease (e.g., bleeding) when used at same time as non-steroidal anti- inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). this drug in rare instances may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of clock. If you using methotrexate long-term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended. sometimes, methotrexate use has resulted in serious (sometimes fatal) lung problems, lung infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), skin reactions, diarrhea and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis). (See also Side Effects) Very infrequently, lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may appear during methotrexate use. drug must be stopped & treatment may be needed. Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps/growths occur. When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes side effects due to rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). Tell your pharmacist immediately if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness. Although rare, it pill when used with radiation treatment may increase risk of tissue & bone damage. Discuss risks & benefits of your treatment plan with your pharmacist.

Rheumatrex Usage: Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. it tablet works by interfering with cell growth & by suppressing immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage & to preserve joint function.

Rheumatrex can be used also for: this med has also been used to treat other disorders such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

How to use Rheumatrex: this is potent drug. dose & how many times you take this drug is based on youre medical condition & response to therapy. they're much of different dosing schedules for it medicine (especially for cancer treatment). Therefore, Its very important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take this by mouth exactly as directed. since managing psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take it medication exactly as directed, usually 1 time a week. it may take up to some months of continued use before full benefit of it drug is seen. do not increase your dose or take this drug more often without your doctor's approval. your condition will not improve any faster & risk of serious side effects may be increased. Unless you're doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug. it helps you're kidneys to remove drug from your body and minimize few of the side effects. this drug may come with a Patient info Leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your pharmacist or pharmacist any questions that you may have of this medicine.

Rheumatrex side effects: watch also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur. If any about these effects persist or worsen, notify your healthcare professional or healthcare professional promptly. Tell your healthcare professional immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, skin rash, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, dark urine, bone pain, unusual pain & discoloration about skin. Tell some your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing of the eyes/skin, change at amount of urine, chest pain, dry cough, trouble breathing, calf pain/swelling, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, seizures. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. An allergic reaction to this tablet is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or physician.

Rheumatrex Precautions: this drug shouldn't be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your pharmacist or physician if you have: liver disease, severe kidney disease, severe lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders. Before using this medication, tell youre doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), kidney disease, any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency, any allergies. this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. this drug may make you more sensitive to sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. do not have immunizations/vaccinations with-out the consent of youre pharmacist & avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters & avoid activities such as contact sports to lower chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured. Wash your hands well to prevent spread of infections. Methotrexate must not be used during pregnancy. this can cause fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform some your healthcare professional immediately. Pregnancy must be avoided, therefore males & females must use reliable forms of birth control during and for at least 3 months following finish of methotrexate treatment. Methotrexate passes into breast milk. do not breast-feed while using it medication due to risk for fetal harm.

Rheumatrex pill interactions: this drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: acitretin, asparaginase, live vaccines, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) with high-dose methotrexate therapy for certain cancers, pyrimethamine. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell you're pharmacist or doctor before starting methotrexate. Before using it medication, tell youre doctor or healthcare professional of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: aspirin/NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), other cancer treatments potentially toxic to kidney (e.g., cisplatin), digoxin, leflunomide, other drugs potentially toxic to liver (e.g., azathioprine, sulfasalazine, retinoids such as isotretinoin), penicillins, phenytoin, probenecid, procarbazine, sulfa meds, theophylline. Certain antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol, sulfa, tetracyclines) may interfere with methotrexate blood tests (increase methotrexate blood levels due to protein-binding displacement). Make sure laboratory personnel & your doctors know you are using any about these types of antibiotics. don't start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Rheumatrex Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, & bloody stools.

Rheumatrex special notes: do not share it medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., CBC, liver & kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or money since side effects. Consult your healthcare professional since more details.

If you missed Rheumatrex dose: It's important to use each dose at scheduled time. If you miss dose, contact you're doctor to establish new dosing schedule. do not 'double-up' the dose to catch up.

Rheumatrex Storage: Store this tablet at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light & moisture. don't store at the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from kid & pets.

Medical alert: your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Methotrexate