Methotrexate (Methotrexate)

General information

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. The drug is used to treat certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. It is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Directions

Take Methotrexate exactly as it was prescribed for you. Use with the glass of water, with or without meal. Avoid chewing and crushing it. Methotrexate is usually taken once 7.5 mg per week or 2.5 mg each twelve hours three times also once a week. For cancer cure the dosage must be individual.

Precautions

Be careful using the drug if you have hydroperitoneum, dehydration, problems with digestive tract and kidneys, signs of infections, herpes zoster, chickenpox, an allergic reaction, podagra, stomach ulcers, sickness, retching. Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Methotrexate, whether you are a man or a woman. Avoid exposure to sunlight.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Methotrexate. Do not use Methotrexate to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have liver and kidney disease or a bone marrow disorder. Avoid using the drug if you have a blood cell disorder or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible side effect

The medicine can cause the side effects but not usual. Sometimes it can be leukopenia, problems with belly, liver, kidney, lung and bone marrow disorder, nausea, vomiting, tired feeling, headache, allergy, rash and hair loss.

Drug interaction

Before taking Methotrexate, tell your doctor if you are using any of the others drugs, particularly ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin, azathioprine, anti-podagra drugs, chloramphenicol, hydroxychloroquine, isotretinoin, steroids, sulfa drugs, probenecid, tetracycline, anti-diabetes drugs or a penicillin antibiotics.

Missed dose

Inform your doctor if you miss a dose of Methotrexate.

Overdose

Call emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include sickness, retching, haemorrhage, asthenia, anuria or coughing up blood.

Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between between 15-30 C (59-86 F). Store away from moisture and light. Keep it out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.