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Description
Methotrexate was developed in the early 1950’s and scientists have spent the last 6 decades bringing the efficacy and safety of this medication up to standard. Methotrexate works by impeding the growth of certain cells in the body - in particular cells which reproduce quickly, such as those of the skin and bone marrow, and cancer cells. Because of this quality of Methotrexate, it is very effective for the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast, skin or lung cancer and leukemia. In addition, studies have proven Methotrexate can be effectively used against severe cases of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. In all these cases, Methotrexate is especially useful for patients who have tried other medications without much success.
Due to the nature of this medication, we strongly recommend delivery by courier service, which can be tracked online and only takes 4-7 business days.
How to use Methotrexate should be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor. You must use the correct dosage of Methotrexate and follow the directions of your healthcare professional exactly. Do not miss any dosages in the prescribed schedule. Methotrexate is usually take once or twice a week, but not on a daily basis.
Discuss with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare any concerns or questions you may have. It is important to clear up any confusion you have with regard to the usage of Methotrexate as soon as possible. Incorrect use of Methotrexate could lead to serious side effects and even death.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Taking too much Methotrexate can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include:
Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
Unusual weakness
Mouth sores
Nausea
Vomiting
Black or bloody stools
Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Urinating less than usual or not at all
Missed dose
Contact your doctor immediately if you miss a dose of Methotrexate. Do not take double or extra doses of Methotrexate. If you vomit after taking a dose of Methotrexate, you should contact your health care professional straightaway.
Notes
Do not let anyone else take your prescription of Methotrexate as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by this medication.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.
Precautions Do not use Methotrexate if you are allergic to it. Also do not use Methotrexate for the treatment of arthritis or psoriasis if you suffer from any of the following:
Liver disease
Alcoholism or cirrhosis of the liver
A blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or leukopenia (lack of white blood cells)
A bone marrow disorder
Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat cancer even when patients do have one of the conditions listed above. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, notify your doctor, as you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to determine if taking Methotrexate will be safe for you:
A kidney or liver disease
A lung disease or pneumonia
A stomach ulcer
Any type of infection
If you are receiving radiation treatments
Do not use Methotrexate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as this medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Both men and women should use an effective form of birth control while either they or their partner is taking Methotrexate. Equally do not use Methotrexate when you are breastfeeding as this medication can filter into breast milk and be harmful to a nursing infant. If your doctor deems it necessary for you to keep taking Methotrexate, you should temporarily stop breastfeeding your baby.
You should have regular blood, kidney and liver tests to make sure that Methotrexate is not causing a harmful effect on you. Do not miss any scheduled appointments with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Before taking Methotrexate, inform your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
Oral diabetes medications such as acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), or tolbutamide (Orinase)
A penicillin antibiotic such as ampicillin (Principen), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), nafcillin (Unipen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) or Bee-Pen, Pen-Vee K, Veetids
Salicylates such as aspirin, Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene) and others
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Methotrexate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Methotrexate:
Hives
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Dry cough, shortness of breath
Diarrhea, vomiting, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
Blood in your urine or stools
Urinating less than usual or not at all
Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
Sore throat and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness
Nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Less serious Methotrexate side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
Dizziness, tired feeling
Headache
Bleeding of your gums
Blurred vision
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.
FAQs
How does Methotrexate work?
Methotrexate is very effective in inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which plays an important role in the DNA and RNA synthesis. It therefore impedes the growth of certain cells in the body, especially those which rapidly reproduce, such as malignant cells responsible for cancer.
What should I discuss with my healthcare professional before taking Methotrexate?
Notify your doctor if you suffer from any of the following:
A kidney disease
A liver disease
A lung disease
Pneumonia
Stomach ulcers
Any kind of infection
A blood cell disorder like anemia or leucopenia
If you are receiving radiation treatments you may need to have extra tests and your doctor will adjust your dosage in accordance with your health and risk level.
Is it safe to take Methotrexate while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Methotrexate is classed as Pregnancy Category X by the FDA, which means that use by both men and women can cause birth defects in an unborn child. Women should take a pregnancy test before starting to use Methotrexate and inform their doctor immediately if they become pregnant and either they or their partner is currently taking Methotrexate. Both men and women should use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Methotrexate. You should use this birth control for at least 90 days or one ovulation cycle after treatment is over before removing these precautions. Methotrexate also passes into breast milk and should not be used while nursing an infant. If you are currently breastfeeding your baby, you should speak with your doctor before taking Methotrexate. You may need to discontinue breastfeeding if it is deemed necessary for you to take Methotrexate as it could harm your baby if ingested.
Avoid sunlight exposure or artificial UV rays (tanning and sunlamps beds) while taking Methorexate, and especially while being treated for psoriasis. Methotrexate can make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, and it could worsen your condition.
You should not drink alcohol while using Methotrexate. The combination of alcohol and Methotrexate can be dangerous and could cause liver damage or cirrhosis, especially when alcohol is consumed regularly. However, even small amounts of alcohol should be avoided while taking Methotrexate, as there is no known basis to determine what a ‘safe’ level of alcohol would be or even if there is a ‘safe’ level.
