Drug Uses
Methotrexate is an antimetabolite used in the treatment of cancer, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used for other conditions.
How it is taken
Methotrexate can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach.
Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Increase your fluid intake while taking Methotrexate.
It may be weeks before you start seeing the effect of the drug. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.
The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Methotrexate then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Some of the typical symptoms of a Methotrexate overdose include bloody stools, severe nausea or vomiting.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Methotrexate, if you have a history of lung problems, immune system problems, nervous system problems (eg, seizures), liver problems (eg, hepatitis), or blood problems (eg, anemia, low white blood cells, low blood platelets), have an active infection, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or dehydration, if you have mouth sores, excess fluid in your stomach or around your lungs, stomach or intestinal ulcers, bowel inflammation (eg, ulcerative colitis), or a blockage of your stomach or bowel, if you have a folic acid deficiency, are in very poor health, if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, abuse alcohol or have liver or kidney problems, have an immunodeficiency syndrome (eg, AIDS), bone marrow problems, or blood problems (eg, anaemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet count) or you are taking aspirin.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Methorexate and contact your doctor immediately. It is known to cause harm to the fetus.
Do not become pregnant while using Methotrexate. Use an alternate form of contraceptive if you are unsure about this.
Methotrexate is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common with Methotrexate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to decrease these effects if they occur. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated.
Methotrexate should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.
Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
Methotrexate may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.
Methotrexate reduces the number of blood clotting cells in your body so avoid getting injured or bruised. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools. This might be a sign of internal bleeding.
Methotrexate also weakens your immune system. So avoid contact with people who have infections like cough, cold and sore throat.
Avoid taking live vaccines like measles, mumps.
Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, mild hair loss, nausea, stomach pain or upset, tiredness, vomiting Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include allergic reactions allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, calf or leg pain or swelling, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, coma, confusion, coughing up blood, dark urine, diarrhea, difficult or painful urination, dry cough, fever, chills, or sore throat, menstrual changes, mental or mood changes, mouth sores, one–sided weakness, red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin, seizures, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, speech changes, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes or vision loss, yellowing of skin or eyes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
