What is Rheumatrex used for?
METHOTREXATE SODIUM is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine affects rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells and also cells in your mouth and stomach. It is used for leukemias, lymphomas, breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and other cancers. This medicine also works on the immune system and is commonly used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. If used for arthritis or psoriasis, this drug should only be taken once a week.
What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking Rheumatrex?
Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- bleeding or blood disorders
- HIV-positive or have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- if you frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks
- infection or weak immune system
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- lung disease
- stomach ulcers
- ulcerative colitis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to methotrexate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How is Rheumatrex should be taken?
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow it with a full glass of water. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. Finish the full course recommended by your doctor or health care professional. You shouldn’t stop the treatment course unless your physician specifically advised you to do so.
If you take methotrexate for the rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, if the dose is given only once a week. You shouldn’t take it more frequently then.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.
Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.
What to do if I missed a dose of Rheumatrex?
If you miss a dose, talk to your doctor or health care professional. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your doctor or health care professional for advice.
What are the possible interactions of Rheumatrex with the other medicine/food/etc?
- antibiotics and other medicines for infections
- aspirin and aspirin-like medicines including bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- probenecid
- trimetrexate
- vaccines
This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.
Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking Rheumatrex?
Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo regular checks on your progress. It will be also necessary for you to have regular blood tests. You will also need a chest X-ray prior to the treatment course with this medicine.
If you take the medicine for the rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, you may not see any improvement in your condition for several weeks.
Do not drink alcohol-containing drinks while taking this medicine. The combination of alcohol and this medicine may cause damage to your liver.
This medicine may increase the risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick.
To protect your kidneys, drink water or other fluids as directed during the treatment course with this medicine.
It is crucial for both men and women to use effective birth control methods. You should use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control together. Please refrain from becoming pregnant during the treatment course with this medicine. Women should continue to use birth control until their first normal menstrual cycle after stop taking the medicine. Let your doctor know right away if you think that you or your partner might be pregnant. Taking this medicine during pregnancy might cause serious side effects to your unborn child. Refer to your health care professional or pharmacist for more detail on the issue. You shouldn’t breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine. Men have to continue to use birth control for at least 3 months after the end of the treatment course using this medicine.
If you are planning to have a surgery or dental work, let your health care professional know that you are taking this medicine.
This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.
Does Rheumatrex have any possible side effects?
The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:
- bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
- changes in vision
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing or a dry cough
- mouth and throat ulcers
- redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- symptoms of infection like fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
- unusual weakness or feeling tired, fainting spells
- vomiting
- yellow coloring of skin or eyes
The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- loss of appetite
- nausea
Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.
Where should I keep Rheumatrex?
Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.
This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect it from the light. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.