Trexall - Methotrexate - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Trexall.
• Rheumatrex
• meth-oh-TREX-ate

Trexall Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Laboratory and/or medical tests (for example, CBC, liver and kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
• Consult your doctor for more details.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• It is important to use each dose at the scheduled time.
• If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
• Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Usage Instructions

• This is a potent medication.
• The dose and how often you take this drug is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
• There are many different dosing schedules for this medicine (especially for cancer treatment).
• Therefore, it is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
• Take it by mouth exactly as directed.
• For managing psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take this medication exactly as directed, usually once a week.
• It may take up to several months of continued use before the full benefit of this drug is seen.
• Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval.
• Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
• Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• This helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and minimize some of the side effects.
• This medication may come with a Patient Information Leaflet.
• Read it carefully.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, and bloody stools.

Medicinal Applications

• Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• This medication works by interfering with cell growth and by suppressing the immune system.
• Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

Read Before Using Trexall (precautions)

• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
• Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have.

Trexall Storage Instructions

• Store this medication at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur.

Possible Side Effects

• See also the Warning section.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur.
• If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur.

Other Medicinal Applications

• This medication has also been used to treat other disorders such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

Warning

• Rarely, methotrexate has caused serious (sometimes fatal) side effects.
• Therefore, this medication should be used only to treat cancer or severe cases of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Methotrexate has caused birth defects and fetal death.
• Women must avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication.
• Pregnant women who have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis must not use methotrexate.
• (See also Precautions) If you have kidney problems or excess body water (ascites, pleural effusion), you must be closely monitored and your dose may be adjusted or stopped by your doctor.
• Infrequently, methotrexate (usually at high dosages) has caused severe (sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression (decreasing your body's ability to fight infections) and stomach/intestinal disease (for example, bleeding) when used at the same time as non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen).
• This drug in rare instances may also cause liver problems when it is used for long periods of time.
• If you are using methotrexate long-term, a liver biopsy is usually recommended.
• Rarely, methotrexate use has resulted in serious (sometimes fatal) lung problems, lung infections (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), skin reactions, diarrhea and mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis).
• (See also Side Effects) Very infrequently, lumps (tumors/abnormal growths) may appear during methotrexate use.
• The drug must be stopped and treatment may be needed.
• Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps/growths occur.
• When used to treat tumors, methotrexate sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome).
• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness.
• Although rare, this medication when used with radiation treatment may increase the risk of tissue and bone damage.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment plan with your doctor.