(Methotrexate)
General English name: Methotrexate
Brand: Maxtrex, Metoject
Application: Cancer - Rheumatoid arthritis - Psoriasis
Methotrexate Drug Information
Contraindications to the use of methotrexate
Drug Interaction Methotrexate
Tips to consider before taking methotrexate
Possible side effects of methotrexate
How to store methotrexate
Methotrexate Drug Information
Medication Information: Methotrexate can be used to treat conditions in which "overactivity" causes problems in the body.
In cancer, certain cells in the body grow abnormally and multiply rapidly. Methotrexate stops the growth of cancer cells by affecting the genetic material of the cells and reducing the number of new cells.
Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system. The immune system protects your body from any damage (for example, damage from a variety of microbes) and attacks any foreign organ that can harm the body to defend itself. In rheumatoid arthritis, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own organs and damages them. Although the exact function of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis is not known, it certainly reduces the spread of rheumatoid arthritis by affecting the immune system.
In psoriasis, the cells of the outer layer of the skin grow and divide many times faster than normal. As a result, areas of the skin become thicker. Methotrexate helps treat psoriasis by reducing the overproduction of skin cells.
Contraindications to the use of methotrexate
- Note the expiration date of the methotrexate drug and do not take it if it has expired.
- Never give methotrexate to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Do not take more methotrexate than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Check for drug interactions with methotrexate and be sure to tell your doctor what other medication you are taking.
Drug Interaction Methotrexate
Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist.
Tips to consider before taking methotrexate
Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed. Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking methotrexate:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are breast-feeding.
- If you feel unwell due to a specific infection.
- If you have a stomach ulcer.
- If you have any digestive problems or diarrhea.
- If you have any liver or kidney problems.
- If you have a blood disorder.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to a drug.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
Possible side effects of methotrexate
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking methotrexate. In case of continuous occurrence of any side effects, the physician should be informed:
Mouth sores, dry mouth, fever, sore throat, infection (due to changes in the number of blood cells), feeling sick, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Important Note: Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following rare and severe symptoms:
Sore throat, sore mouth, any unusual bruising
Severe abdominal pain, illness, dark urine
Feeling short of breath, coughing, high fever
Severe skin rash
Tell your doctor if you notice any specific symptoms that may be related to methotrexate.
How to store methotrexate
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.