Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Description

Indications

Methotrexate is utilized for various medical purposes. It is employed to treat specific types of cancer, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, methotrexate is used to manage severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment with more aggressive therapy, such as methotrexate, helps reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. Its mechanism of action involves slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system.

Uses and Dosage

Methotrexate is available in tablet form and is taken orally. The frequency of administration will be determined by your doctor based on the specific condition being treated and your individual response to the medication.

Your doctor may prescribe a rotating schedule for methotrexate, involving alternating days or weeks of taking the medication with periods of not taking it. Adhere to these instructions carefully, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about when to take the medication.

For the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may recommend taking methotrexate once a week. Pay close attention to your doctor’s instructions. Some individuals who mistakenly took methotrexate daily instead of weekly experienced severe side effects or fatal outcomes.

Take methotrexate exactly as directed, avoiding both excessive and insufficient intake or a frequency greater than prescribed.

If you are using methotrexate to address psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may initiate treatment with a low dose and gradually increase it. Adhere to these instructions meticulously.

For rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 3 to 6 weeks for symptoms to begin improving, and 12 weeks or more to experience the full benefits of methotrexate. Continue taking methotrexate even if you feel well. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• swollen, tender gums
• decreased appetite
• reddened eyes
• hair loss

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• blurred vision or sudden loss of vision
• seizures
• confusion
• weakness or difficulty moving one or both sides of the body
• loss of consciousness

Caution

• Before starting methotrexate, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as the product may contain inactive ingredients that could lead to allergic reactions.
• Discuss your medical history, especially if you have liver or kidney disease, lung disease, a history of alcohol use, a suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders, stomach/intestinal diseases, any active infections, or a folic acid deficiency.
• Methotrexate can increase the risk of infections or worsen existing infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have easily spreadable infections, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu. Notify your doctor if you’ve been exposed to an infection.
• Inform your healthcare professional about your use of methotrexate before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
• To minimize the risk of injuries, be cautious with sharp objects and avoid activities like contact sports.
• This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness until you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption and discuss the use of marijuana with your doctor.
• Methotrexate may increase sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.
• Methotrexate can impact fertility in both males and females. Consult your doctor for more details.
• This medication must not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy test should be conducted before starting methotrexate. Women of childbearing age should inquire about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for six months after the last dose.
• Men with female partners of childbearing age should also inquire about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for three months after the last dose. If you or your partner become pregnant, or if you suspect pregnancy, speak to your doctor immediately about the risks and benefits of the medication.
• Due to potential harm to an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling this medication or breathing in dust from the tablets.
• Methotrexate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for at least one week after the last dose.

Form and Strength

Rheumatrex is available in the following forms and strengths:

• methotrexate tablet:
  • 2.5 mg

FAQ

How long does it take for Rheumatrex to work?

This medication won’t begin working immediately. It can take three to six weeks for your symptoms to begin to improve. It may take up to 12 weeks before you notice complete benefits.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Rheumatrex?

It’s usually OK to drink alcohol if you take a low weekly dose of Rheumatrex (25mg or less) for the long-term treatment of an inflammatory condition. If you’re taking high doses of Rheumatrex, ask your doctor for advice about drinking alcohol.

Resources

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20143-methotrexate
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/common-questions-about-methotrexate/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/methotrexate-oral-route/description/drg-20084837
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10673/rheumatrex-oral/details
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682019.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/cdi/rheumatrex.html