METHOTREXATE

Drug Uses
Methotrexate is used for treatment of ertain types of cancer, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Take Methotrexate as directed by your doctor. Take Methotrexate with or without a meal. However, you should take it the same way each time in relation to food. It is recommended to drink extrauids while taking Methotrexate. It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve. Do not stop taking Methotrexate without checking with your doctor. Methotrexate works best if each dose is taken at the scheduled time.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Methotrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, 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, excessuid 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, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Methotrexate may cause birth defects and fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. Use an effective form of birth control while you take Methotrexate and for at least 1 ovulatory cycle after you stop taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Methotrexate is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Methotrexate. Some medicines may interact with Methotrexate. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Methotrexate if 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. Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Methotrexate. 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 may cause you to become more sensitive to the sun. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Methotrexate. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for prolonged time. Methotrexate may reduce the number of clot–forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools. This drug may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Methotrexate. Men who take Methotrexate should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you take Methotrexate and for 3 months after you stop taking it. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Methotrexate. Do not use Methotrexate in children younger than 2 years old. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, mild hair loss, nausea, stomach pain or upset, tiredness, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- 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.

Storage
Store Methotrexate at 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Methotrexate out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Methotrexate overdose are- bloody stools, severe nausea or vomiting.

More Information
Methotrexate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may worsen if Methotrexate is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Methotrexate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Methotrexate should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.