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

Functions & Usage

What is Trimetrexate used for?

Trimetrexate is a drug used to treat moderate to severe pneumonia carinii Pneumocystis (PCP) in patients with weakened immune systems, including those with AIDS who are unable to be treated with standard treatment. Use of Trimetrexate in combination with leucovorin.

Trimetrexate is an anti-infective agent. These drugs work by inhibiting DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, causing cell death.

How do you use Trimetrexate?

Use Trimetrexate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for precise dosing instructions.

Trimetrexate is usually given as an injection at a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Trimetrexate at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your healthcare provider.

Trimetrexate should not be given at the same time as fluorouracil. Dosage should be separated as directed.

If Trimetrexate contains particles or changes color, or if the bottle is cracked or damaged under any circumstances, do not use it.

Trimetrexate should be used with leucovorin, as protection against serious or life-threatening reactions. Treatment with leucovorin should be extended for up to 72 hours after the last dose of Trimetrexate. Take all leukovorin doses as directed. If you do not use the correct dosage and all doses of leucovorin, it can cause fatal poisoning.

Keep this product, as well as needles and syringes, out of reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Discard properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain the regulations for disposal of this drug.

If you miss a dose of Trimetrexate, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about how to use Trimetrexate.

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

How do I save Trimetrexate?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, 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.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Trimetrexate drugs?

Several medical conditions can interact with Trimetrexate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following happen to you:

• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you are using prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbs, or dietary supplements
• If you have an allergy to drugs, food, or other substances

Is Trimetrexate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding 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 D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = Positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Trimetrexate?

All drugs can cause side effects, but many people do not experience them, or have few side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Confusion; fatigue

Get medical help right away if any of these serious side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reaction (rash; hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; reduced blood cell count; fever; itchy; nausea; mouth sores; symptoms of a new infection; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual fatigue or weakness; gag; yellow discoloration 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.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the action of the drug Trimetrexate?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may be able to change the dose or take other precautions that may be needed. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs on the market.

Some DRUGS MAY INTERACT with Trimetrexate. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs, especially any of the following:

• Cisplatin, corticosteroids (eg prednisone), cyclosporine, etretinate, NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen), penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), pristinamycin, probenecid, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethazols) tetracyclines (for example, doxycycline), or trimethoprim because the action and side effects of Trimetrexate can be increased, possibly causing toxicity
• Digoxin or hydantoins (eg phenytoin) may decrease due to their effectiveness.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the action of the drug Trimetrexate?

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 can interfere with the performance of the drug Trimetrexate?

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, such as:

• Bone marrow compression
• Blood disorders
• Kidney or liver problems

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Trimetrexate for adults?

Your doctor's recommendation for Trimetrexate dosage will be based on the following (any or all of them apply):

• Condition that is being treated
• Any other medical conditions you have
• Any other medicines you use
• How do you respond to this drug
• Your weight
• Your height
• Your age
• Your gender

What is the dosage of Trimetrexate for children?

Safety and effectiveness are not known in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosages and preparations is Trimetrexate available?

Powder for injection 5 mL, 30 mL

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

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.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.