Methotrexate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Methotrexate?

What is Methotrexate for?

Methotrexate is a drug used to treat cancer. This drug works by inhibiting the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that multiply rapidly. Includes cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.

Usually doctors prescribe this drug for the treatment of breast cancer, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, or lung cancer. It is also used to treat psoriasis and severe rheumatoid arthritis that other medicines have not successfully treated.

Methotrexate is a strong drug and can have serious side effects that can be fatal. Therefore, this drug must be used with caution and closely monitored by a doctor.

How to use Methotrexate?

Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor or what is stated on the product packaging label. Don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor directly if you don't really understand the rules for using this drug.

This medication can be used once or twice per week. Ask your doctor how often and when you should use this medication. Make sure you use the drug according to the dose or dose recommended by your doctor.

It is not recommended that you increase or decrease the dosage of the drug on your own as it can affect its performance in the body. The dosage of the drug may vary from person to person.

Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. So as not to forget, use this medicine at the same time every day.

It is important to note that this medicine can lower blood cells that help the body fight infection and clot blood. Therefore, patients who are using the drug may be asked to undergo periodic medical tests, especially blood tests. In certain cases, you may need to do a liver biopsy.

In essence, follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

You should also see a doctor immediately if your condition does not improve or gets worse. Your doctor may prescribe other more potent and safer drugs to help control your disease.

How to store Methotrexate?

Methotrexate is a drug that should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Methotrexate dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Methotrexate dosage for adults?

The dosage of this drug is adjusted to the medical condition and the patient's response to treatment. That is why, each person will probably get a different dose. Ask your doctor what dosage is safe and suitable for your condition.

What is the dosage of Methotrexate for children?

The dosage of the drug for children is adjusted according to their body weight. Please ask your doctor to find out the dosage of drugs that are safe and suitable for your baby.

In what dosage is Methotrexate available?

This drug is available as an injection solution with a strength of 25 mg / mL.

Methotrexate side effects

What are the side effects of the drug Methotrexate?

Just like other drugs, this drug also has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of the drug Methotrexate are:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Stomach ache
• Dizzy
• Headache
• The body feels weak and weak
• Gums bleed easily
• Blurred vision
• Redness at the injection site

Some people using this medicine have had a reaction to the infusion (when the drug is injected into a vein). Tell your nurse right away if you feel nauseous, dizzy, sweating, or short of breath during or after being injected with Methotrexate.

Stop using Methotrexate and contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Dry cough
• Hard to breathe
• Constantly vomiting
• There are white patches or sores inside the mouth or lips
• Urine and feces mixed with blood
• The frequency of urination decreases
• Flu symptoms such as fever, body chills, and body aches
• Sore throat
• Headache accompanied by severe blistering, peeling skin, and red skin rash
• Pale colored skin
• Decreased appetite
• The urine is darker and the stool is clay-colored
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Methotrexate Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Methotrexate?

Before using Methotrexate, it's a good idea to:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Methotrexate, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in Methotrexate tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the composition of the ingredients used in this medication.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are regularly taking. Whether it's non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Because, this drug is proven to cause negative effects on the fetus in the womb.
• Tell your doctor when in the near future you will have surgery, including dental surgery.
• This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Therefore, use sunscreen, umbrellas, sunglasses, and protective clothing if you want to do outdoor activities.
• If you have psoriasis, your sores may get worse when exposed to sunlight. As much as possible avoid leaving the room when the weather is hot. Use long sleeves, hats, and umbrellas to protect your skin from sun exposure.
• Do not vaccinate during treatment with Methotrexate without talking to your doctor.

Is Methotrexate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or nursing women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,

Besides being dangerous for pregnant women, this drug should also not be used in mothers who are breastfeeding. Therefore, studies in breastfeeding women have shown a danger to the baby. Other alternatives to this medicine must be prescribed or you will have to stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Methotrexate Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Methotrexate?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Some of the drugs that can interact with the drug Methotrexate are:

• Certain antibiotics such as chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin), penicillins, tetracyclines
• Folic acid (both contained in food / drinks and multivitamins)
• Medicines for rheumatoid arthritis
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Probenecid (Benemid)
• Sulfonamides such as cotrimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), ulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (Urobiotic), and sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin)
• Theophylline (Theochron, Theolair).

There may be many other drugs that can interact with this drug. Therefore, make sure you tell your doctor about all the medicines you are regularly taking recently. This simple thing helps the doctor to determine other types of drugs that are suitable and safe for your condition. That way, you can avoid dangerous side effects that can be fatal.

Can food or alcohol interact with Methotrexate?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Methotrexate?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems .:

• Are or have experienced alcohol abuse
• Anemia
• Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
• Chronic liver disease
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet blood level)
• Weak immune system
• Ascites (extra fluid in the abdominal area)
• Kidney illness
• Pleural effusion (extra fluid in the lungs)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Peptic ulcer
• Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
• Good infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses

There are still many other drugs that may interact with this drug. Therefore, make sure you tell your doctor all medical history that you have ever had. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe other drugs that are safer and suitable for your condition.

Methotrexate overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

When someone has an overdose, they will usually experience typical symptoms such as:

• Too low blood pressure (hypotension) which makes the head dizzy
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Slower than normal heart rate

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.