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| Pronunciation |
|
 (meth
oh TREKS
ate) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Rheumatrex®;
Trexall™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite |
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|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Your bone marrow, liver, lung, and kidney function will be followed
closely. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the risks and
benefits of methotrexate. There is extensive monitoring that is required while
taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant and being
treated for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. The risks and benefits of other
uses need to be compared in females of childbearing
age. |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to methotrexate or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have poor kidney function.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
If you are breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat arthritis.
This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
This medicine is used to treat psoriasis. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Methotrexate injures cancer cells causing their death.
It reduces inflammation.
It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the
immune system. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Follow directions given by healthcare provider or read the package
insert.
Directions may change depending on blood work results, side effects,
and response.
This medicine may be given by mouth or as a shot into a muscle or
vein. Rarely, a shot will be given into the spinal fluid.
Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink
less liquid by healthcare provider. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this
medicine.
If you have had hepatitis B or C, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have drug or alcohol addiction, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have a weakened immune system, develop infections easily, or
are on antibiotics, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have mouth sores, stomach irritation or ulcers, talk with
healthcare provider.
Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 1 month after
stopping.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin,
aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic,
ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning
beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear. Continue to protect
yourself against sunburn for at least a month after methotrexate therapy.
Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while
taking this medicine. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or
flu.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.
Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or
cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
Liver damage can rarely occur.
Lung damage can rarely occur. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
When taking methotrexate for a long time or at high doses, you may
need closer monitoring of liver and bone marrow function. Talk with healthcare
provider.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5
degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough,
increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that
will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
Chest pain or pressure.
Difficulty breathing.
Persistent cough.
Pinpoint red spots on skin.
Severe belly pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
Not hungry.
Unusual bruising or bleeding.
Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from light.
Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
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| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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