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RediTrex (injection)

Generic name: methotrexate (injection) [meth-oh-TREX-ate]

Brand names: Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free, Otrexup, Rasuvo, RediTrex

What is RediTrex?

RediTrex can be used with other cancer treatments to treat leukemia and osteosarcoma in adults and children.RediTrex can also be used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma and prevent meningeal cancer.RediTrex can be used with other cancer treatments in adult patients to treat gestational tumors and cancers of the breast.RediTrex can also be used to treat squamous-cell carcinoma in the head and neck of adults.RediTrex can also be used to treat severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis among adults.RediTrex can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of RediTrex

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash), seek emergency medical attention.

RediTrex may cause serious or even fatal side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:

  • Feeling short of breath, a dry cough, and a sudden pain in the chest;
  • Swollen lymph glands, night sweats, weight loss;
  • Blisters or ulcers on your lips; red or swollen gingiva; difficulty swallowing or feeling thirsty
  • Blood in urine or stools; skin changes like redness, heat, swelling, or oozing
  • Unusual bruising, bleeding, or new signs of illness. (fever, weakness, nausea, diarrhea)
  • Signs of metabolic acidosis include confusion, nausea, and irregular heartbeats.
  • Low blood cell counts: a fever, chills or bruising, pale skin or feet, feeling of lightheadedness or shortness of breath, and feeling cold.
  • Kidney problems: swelling, decreased urination, fatigue, or feeling short of breath.
  • Liver problems: loss of appetite, pain in the upper right corner of the stomach, fatigue, itching dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
  • Nerve problems: confusion, weakness, sleepiness; coordination problems; feeling irritable; headache; neck stiffness; backache. Vision problems, loss of movement of any part of the body, seizures
  • Signs of tumor cell breakdown: tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet, or around your mouth.

RediTrex side effects may include:

  • Low blood cell count, fever, chills, and tiredness
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness, and chest tightness
  • Mouth sores; nausea; vomiting; stomach pains; and diarrhea Runny or stuffy nasal passages, sneezing
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Skin lesions, rashes, loss of hair, and increased sensitivity to light are all possible.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Cosentyx, Stelara, Taltz, Simponi, Olumiant, Trianex, and Sernivo

Warnings

This medicine is used for cancer treatment during pregnancy.Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.RediTrex may cause serious or even fatal side effects. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea, mouth ulcers, shortness of breath, upper stomach discomfort, dark urine, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, confusion, or seizures.

Before you take this drug

RediTrex should not be used if you have an allergy to it.

RediTrex is not recommended for the treatment of psoriasis, arthritis, or if you:

  • Alcoholism or cirrhosis.
  • Blood cell disorders or a weakened immune system
  • If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,

RediTrex can be used to treat cancer in people with the conditions listed above. This treatment will be decided by your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
  • Fluid buildup in the stomach (ascites) and fluid accumulation around your lungs
  • A stomach ulcer, or colitis ulcerative
  • History of neurological problems, such as seizures
  • Any type of infection
  • Radiation treatment
  • Alcoholism is a serious problem.
  • If you are planning to undergo any surgery with general anesthesia, including dental surgery,

RediTrex should only be used if you have received all your vaccines. Inform your doctor if a recent vaccine was received or if a booster is scheduled.RediTrex may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it. The medicine injection can affect the fertility of men and women. This medicine could make it harder for either parent to get pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

  • You may need to take a pregnancy test if you're a woman. Use birth control during treatment and for 6 months following your last dose.
  • Use birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.

After taking this medicine, do not breastfeed during the first week.

How to take RediTrex?

Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that come with the medication. Your doctor may change your dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.RediTrex should be taken once a week. Do not use this medication more than prescribed. Always follow your doctor's instructions when it comes to dosage.Based on body surface area, the dose will be calculated. You may need to adjust your dose if you lose or gain weight, or if you are still growing.RediTrex can be injected under the skin or into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider, who may also teach you how to use it properly.RediTrex can be injected into the thigh or stomach when treating psoriasis and arthritis. Avoid injecting within 2 inches from your navel, arms, other body parts, or any area where the skin appears to be tender, bruised, or red.Prepare an injection only when you are ready to administer the drug. If the medication is cloudy or has changed color, call your pharmacist.Never reuse a needle, syringe, or auto-injector. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof, and dispose of the container according to local or state laws.Your next dose could be delayed, depending on the results of your medical tests.RediTrex can increase your risk of other cancers. You should discuss this with your doctor.RediTrex comes with detailed instructions on how to store the medicine. You can ask your pharmacist for more information on how to store the medicine.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you have missed your appointment or forgotten to take 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 be fatal.

What should be avoided?

RediTrex can cause you to burn more easily. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage.You could get a serious infection if you receive a "live vaccine". Live vaccines are measles (MMR), rubella, rotavirus (typhoid), yellow fever, varicella, chickenpox, and zoster.RediTrex can affect your reaction time. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you.It is possible that you are unable to respond properly.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

  • An antibiotic or sulfa-drug, mercaptopurine (nitrous oxide), phenytoin (probenecid), dapsone (pyrimethamine),
  • Aspirin, naproxen, celecoxib (Diclofenac), indomethacin (Meloxicam), and other nsaids;
  • Stomach acid reducers--esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, and others.

This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also affect RediTrex. Included are over-the-counter, prescription, herbal, and vitamin products. The list is not exhaustive.