Methotrexate Sodium Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Methotrexate Sodium Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Methotrexate LPF Sodium, Methotrexate Sodium, Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free, Rheumatrex Dose Pack, Trexall

What is this medicine?

METHOTREXATE (METH oh TREX ate) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine affects cells that are rapidly growing, such as cancer cells and cells in your mouth and stomach. It is used to treat many cancers and other medical conditions. 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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• immune system problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like platelets, red bloods, or white blood cells
• lung disease
• recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methotrexate, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as an injection into a muscle or into a vein. It may also be given into the spinal fluid. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antibiotics and other medicines for infections
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines including bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
• cisplatin
• dapsone
• folic acid in supplements or vitamins
• mercaptopurine
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• pemetrexed
• phenylbutazone
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• pyrimethamine
• theophylline
• trimetrexate
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.