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Description
What is Rheumatrex used for
Rheumatrex is a highly effective anti-metabolite medicine. This oral drug is typically administered to cancer patients, including but not limited to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bone malignancy, and many others. Lower doses of this medicine are also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Rheumatrex’s generic name is methotrexate. This drug can be used as single-agent therapy or in combination with other medications in treating arthritis.
How does Rheumatrex work?
When this medication is taken correctly and absorbed into the bloodstream, it alters the genetic makeup in the cells by inhibiting the growth of rapidly reproducing cells such as cancer, bone marrow, or skin cells. As a result, it is difficult to replicate and repair such cells, leading to cellular death.
Dosage of Rheumatrex
The dosage of this drug varies depending on the client’s health, the severity of the disease, age, height, weight, and tolerance to therapy. It is available in Rheumatrex 2.5 mg per tablet.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients should take 2.5 mg two to four times each week. The dosage can be modified so that it does not exceed the weekly limit of 10 mg.
For ALL patients, it will depend on your body size and upon evaluation by your physician. Usually, the initial dose is 20 mg/m² body size once a week.
Meanwhile, the recommended dose for people with rheumatoid arthritis is 7.5 mg once a week. However, arthritis in children depends on their body size and the assessment of their physician.
The usual dose for psoriasis is 10 to 25 mg once a week, with a maximum dosage of 30 mg per week.
Changing the dosing and frequency of this medicine is not recommended due to the increased risk of developing unwanted side effects.
Best way to use Rheumatrex
Read all drug instructions and information carefully before using this drug. Use the medication according to the directions on the prescription label or as prescribed by your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this drug or if you need medical assistance.
Take this drug orally as directed. You can take this medicine with or without regard to food or as instructed by your doctor.
Take this medication regularly on a fixed schedule, and making a note in your calendar may help you remember not to forget a pill. If you didn’t take your medicine for the day, notify your doctor right away.
Do not overuse this medication because it will not improve your condition faster. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen over time, notify your doctor right at once.
Rheumatrex Side effects
The following are the most common side effects of this drug that usually improve with time:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Swelling of the mouth
- Temporary hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Increased liver enzymes
- Decreased complete blood count (CBC), specifically white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and platelet count
Notify your doctor immediately if any of these side effects worsen over time or if you develop any of the following adverse reactions:
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of lower extremities
- Urine changes (color and frequency)
- Yellowing of the skin/eyes
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Infection symptoms (sore throat, fever, chills)
- Severe anemia
This list does not include all of the potential side effects of this medication. Other unwanted outcomes are possible.
Precautions
Make sure to fully disclose your medical history before taking this therapy, especially if you have heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems. Doing so will ensure that this drug is safe for you.
Do not use this pill if you have an impaired immune system, severe anemia, or chronic liver disease, as this drug can aggravate your condition.
Do not use this drug if you have allergies to methotrexate and other ingredients. When using this medication, keep a watch out for any allergic reactions, such as rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. As soon as these signs and symptoms appear, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Inform your doctor about your medications and vitamins, and drug interaction.
Avoid crowded places or contact with people who are sick, as this may increase your chance of getting infections and worsen your health.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight as this drug can make you more prone to severe sunburn. Ensure to use protective clothing and sunscreen (at least SPF 30 and above).
Monitor your liver status, as this drug can result in increased liver enzymes. Call your doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur: dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or fatigue.
Periodically monitor your blood test, especially WBC, RBC, and platelet levels, as this medication can make you prone to anemia and infection.
Keep this medication in a cool, dry place that is out of reach of children.
How much does Rheumatrex cost?
The Rheumatrex price is relatively reasonable. Check the pricing and buy this oral treatment in our online drugstore for quick and easy transaction.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to increase the Rheumatrex dosage?
No, do not exceed the recommended dosage of Rheumatrex without first consulting your physician. Remember that this is a potent drug that can have negative health consequences.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Rheumatrex?
When using the Rheumatrex tablet, do not drink alcohol as this may have unwanted side effects, which can make you more prone to liver damage.
Is it safe for pregnant women to take Rheumatrex?
Do not take Rheumatrex if you are pregnant. This medication has the potential to harm your unborn child and cause birth abnormalities. When taking this drug, it is best to use an effective contraceptive method.
Can Rheumatrex affect fertility?
Rheumatrex treatment can result in infertility in both sexes. Before beginning this treatment, consult your doctor first and lay down your concerns regarding this matter.
