What is Methotrexate?
In combination with other cancer treatments, methotrexate is given to adults and children who have leukemia or osteosarcoma.The injection of methotrexate can also be used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and to prevent and treat leukemia meningeal.In adults, methotrexate is combined with other cancer therapies to treat gestational tumoroblastic carcinoma as well as breast cancer.Adults can also be treated with methotrexate alone if they have squamous-cell carcinoma in the neck and head.The injection of methotrexate is used in the treatment of severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis among children.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of methotrexate.
Side effects of Methotrexate
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling on your face and throat, or severe skin reactions, including fever, skin rash, blistering, or burning, seek emergency medical attention. The injection of methotrexate can have serious side effects.
- Sudden chest pains, coughing up dry mucus, shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph glands, night sweats, weight loss;
- Blisters or ulcers on your lips; red gums and swelling; difficulty swallowing or feeling thirsty
- Blood in urine and stools; skin changes like redness, heat, swelling, or oozing.
- Unusual bruising, bleeding, or new symptoms of infection (flu, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and burning in the urination);
- Signs of Metabolic Acidosis: confusion, nausea, low energy, and irregular heartbeats
- Low blood counts can cause a fever, chills or bruising, pallid skin, cold fingers and toes, or feeling short of breath.
- Kidney problems: swelling, decreased urination, fatigue, or feeling short of breath.
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, itchiness, clay-colored stools or urine, a dark urine color, and jaundice.
- Nerve problems: confusion, weakness, sleepiness, coordination issues, irritability, headaches, neck stiffness, back pain, visual problems, lack of mobility in any part, seizures
- Signs of tumor cell breakdown include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as fast or slow heart rates as well as tingling in your hands, feet or mouth.
Side effects associated with methotrexate include:
- Low blood counts, fatigue, low energy, and fever are all symptoms of a low cell count.
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
- Mouth sores; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea runny or stuffy nasal passages. Sneezing. Sore throat.
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Rash, hair loss, and skin lesions. Eyes that are more sensitive to the light
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
The injection of methotrexate is used in pregnancy for cancer treatment. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant. The injection of methotrexate can have serious side effects.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to methotrexate, it is best not to use the injection.
If you suffer from:
- Alcoholism or liver diseases.
- A blood cell disorder or a weak immune system.
- If you're pregnant or nursing,
Sometimes, methotrexate is used as a treatment for cancer among people with the conditions listed above. This treatment will be decided by your doctor.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease or dialysis (if applicable)
- Ascites, pleural effusion (also known as lung fluid accumulation), breathing difficulties
- A stomach ulcer or colitis?
- History of neurological problems, such as seizures
- Any type of infection
- Radiation treatment
- Alcoholism;
- If you are planning to undergo any surgery with general anesthesia, including dental surgery,
Before you begin using methotrexate, make sure that you have received all of your vaccines. Inform your doctor of any recent vaccinations or upcoming booster doses. The injection of methotrexate can cause harm to an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it. It may also affect the fertility of men and women. It may be more difficult to get pregnant if either parent uses this medication. Inform your doctor that you're pregnant.
- You may require a pregnancy check if you're female. Use birth control during treatment and at least six months after the last dose.
- Use birth control if you're a male and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last pill.
You should not breastfeed for at least a week after taking this medication.
How to take Methotrexate?
Follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication and follow their recommendations exactly. Your physician may adjust the dose, so take your medicine exactly as prescribed.The injection of methotrexate is normally given once per week. Never use the medicine more than your doctor has prescribed. Always follow all instructions given by your doctor.The dose is based on the body surface area, which includes height and weight. You may need to adjust your dose if you lose or gain weight or are still growing.The injection of methotrexate is administered into the muscle or vein, either as an injection under the skin or as a subcutaneous infusion. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional, who may also teach you the proper way to use it.When used to treat psoriasis and arthritis, methotrexate is injected into the thigh or stomach. Avoid injecting within two inches of your belly button, arms, other body parts, or any area where skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. There may also be stretch marks or scars.Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medication is cloudy or looks like it has changed color, contact your pharmacist.
Never reuse an auto-injector or vial. Put them into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof and follow local or state laws.Your next dosage may be delayed depending on the results of your medical tests.Methotrexate may raise your chances of getting other types of cancer. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.Methotrexate injection comes with specific instructions for storage. You can get more details from your pharmacist about the storage of this medication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment or forget the medication at home, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A methotrexate overdose can lead to death.
What should be avoided?
Sunburn may be more likely to occur after receiving a methotrexate shot. Avoid tanning or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).Alcohol is harmful to your liver. Alcohol can cause liver damage.You could get a serious illness if you receive a live vaccine. The live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, typhoid (Yellow Fever), varicella, chickenpox, and shingles.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how methotrexate affects you. You may be unable to react.
Interaction with other drug
Notify your doctor of any additional medications you are taking, such as:
- Pyrimethamine
- NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples include aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac (Indomethacin), indomethacin (Meloxicam), and many others.
- Sulfurous stomach acid reducers include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole and pantoprazole; Nexium, Prilosec Protonix are among many others available on the market today.
The list above is not exhaustive, and other medications may also affect the methotrexate infusion. These include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamins. This list does not include all interactions with drugs.
