Information about Rheumatrex (Generic Methotrexate) :


Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that is used for treatment of certain types of cancer, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis in certain patients. Methotrexate may be administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician. It may be used alone or with other medicines. Methotrexate blocks an enzyme needed for cell growth. It slows the cancer cells and abnormal skin cells growth. The exact mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis treatment by Methotrexate is unknown. Nevertheless it was proved that Methotrexate reduces signs of inflammation (eg, pain, swelling, stiffness) caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

You should not use Methotrexate in case you have conditions mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Methotrexate, you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby, you are treating psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and abuse alcohol or have liver problems, an immunodeficiency syndrome (eg, AIDS), bone marrow problems, or blood problems (eg, anemia, low white blood cell count, low platelet count), you have moderate or severe kidney problems, you are taking acitretin.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Methotrexate you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby; you are using any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; 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); you have an active infection, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or dehydration; you have mouth sores, excess fluid in your stomach or around your lungs, stomach or intestinal ulcers, bowel inflammation (eg, ulcerative colitis), or a blockage of your stomach or bowel; you have a folic acid deficiency, are in very poor health, or have a history of alcohol abuse; you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.

Be aware that Methotrexate may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: Acitretin, azathioprine, etretinate, leflunomide, retinoids, or sulfasalazine because of increased risk of liver problems; Chloramphenicol, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cyclosporine, dantrolene, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib), penicillin antibiotics, phenylbutazone, pristinamycin, probenecid, quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), salicylates (eg, aspirin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), tetracycline, or trimethoprim because of the increased risk of Methotrexate's side effects; Folic acid or leucovorin because the Methotrexate's effectiveness may be decreased; Digoxin because its effectiveness may be decreased; Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), cyclosporine, or theophylline because the risk of their side effects may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Methotrexate:
You should take Methotrexate as recommended by your doctor the same time each day with or without food. Drink extra fluids is recommended while using Methotrexate. You should follow prescribed recommendation and taking schedule strictly. Consult with your doctor for extra information. Do not stop using Methotrexate without doctor's consultation. It may take several weeks for the symptoms improvement. Don't stop to take Methotrexate even if you feel well.

Try not to miss any doses. In case it happened, contact your doctor immediately. Do not take double doses at once.

Important safety information:
Methotrexate may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worsening by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions.

Consult with your doctor before taking of alcohol.

Also you may have nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite while you are taking Methotrexate.

In case you have vomiting or diarrhea, contact you doctor to prevent dehydratation.

Try to avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths because Methotrexate may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing in case you can not prevent such impacts.

The quantity of clot-forming cells (platelets) in blood may be decreased while taking Methotrexate. Try to prevent situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools.

You should know that Methotrexate may decrease your body's ability to fight infection. Try to avoid contacts with people with colds or other infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection (fever, sore throat, rash, or chills).

You should not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are using Methotrexate. Consult with your doctor before receiving any vaccine.

Men who take Methotrexate should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Follow this recommendation for as long as you use Methotrexate and for 3 months after you stop using it.

Do not exceed the recommended dose or treatmen duration.

To monitor your progress or to check for side effects lab tests, including albumin levels, complete blood counts, and liver, lung, and kidney function, may be performed. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Elderly people are likely to be more sensitive to Methotrexate.

Use Methotrexate with caution in children younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Methotrexate may lead to birth defects and fetal and newborn death. Avoid pregnancy using effective form of birth control while you are taking it and for at least 1 ovulatory cycle after you stop taking it. In case you suppose you may be pregnant, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. You should know that Methotrexate passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while using Methotrexate.

Possible side effects of Methotrexate:
You should consult with your doctor if you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below:

Dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; mild hair loss; nausea; stomach pain or upset; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects:

Severe 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.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.