What is methotrexate tablets?
Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells in the body, especially rapidly reproducing cells, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.
Methotrexate tablets are used to treat leukaemia and some forms of breast, scalp, head and neck, lung, or uterine cancer.
Methotrexate is also used for the treatment of extreme psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children.
Methotrexate is sometimes given when other medicines are not effective.
Usage of methotrexate tablets.
Methotrexate tablets are used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to manage pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It functions by halting or preventing the growth of cancer cells and by stimulating the immune system.
Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more intensive medication, such as methotrexate, helps prevent more joint damage and maintain joint function.
How to use the anti-rheumatic methotrexate tablets.
Read the Patient Knowledge Leaflet, if available from your pharmacist, before you start taking methotrexate and any time you refill. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Methotrexate is a potent opioid. The dose and how long you take this drug is dependent on your medical condition and reaction to your medication. There are several different dosing schedules for this drug (especially for cancer treatment). Taking this drug in the wrong way will cause severe side effects, even death. It is, therefore, imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Taking this medicine by mouth as instructed by your doctor.
Taking this drug by mouth as instructed by your doctor, usually, once a week, to cure psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. It may take you up to a few months before you get the full effect of this medication.
If you are taking the liquid version of this drug, properly weigh the dosage using a special measurement device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not have the correct dose.
Do not raise your dosage or take this medication more frequently or longer than necessary. Your health will not change sooner, and your chance of side effects will increase.
Since this medicine can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and can harm an unborn child, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take this medicine or breathe the dust from the tablets.
Drink lots of water when taking this drug until the doctor tells you otherwise. Using it lets the kidneys eliminate the medication from the bloodstream to prevent any of the side effects.
Other usages for methotrexate tablets.
methotrexate tablets are also sometimes used to treat Crohn’s disease (a condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fever), multiple sclerosis (MS; a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, causing weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and vision, speech, and bladder control problems) and other autoimmune disorders. Tell your doctor about the dangers of taking this drug on your disease.
What should I do when I miss a dose?
You must call your doctor when you miss a dose of methotrexate, he will give you instructions.
What happens if I take an overdose?
Get emergency medical care or call Poison Aid at 1-800-222-1222. The overdose of methotrexate can be lethal. Overdose symptoms may include bruising or unusual bleeding, mouth sores, vomiting, little or no urination, blood, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
