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Description
What is Rheumatrex (Methotrexate) prescribed for?
Methotrexate is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis, which is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal, leaving a buildup of skin in the form of bumpy red patches covered with white scales, or rheumatoid arthritis, which is a form of arthritis that affects joints on both sides of your body, it’s symmetry setting apart from other forms of arthritis, that has not responded well to other treatments. At times it is also used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It functions by slowing or stopping the growth of the cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. For rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment with a more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate, helps to reduce further joint damage and helps to preserve joint functionality.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist on the matter. Take this medication directly has prescribed, and make sure to read the instructions on the prescription label. And if you have any concerns, speak with your medical professional.
Directions
Methotrexate is a strong medication. The dosage and how often you take this medication are based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. There are many various dosing schedules for this medication. Therefore whichever one is chosen for you, you must abide by. Taking this medication the wrong way can cause serious side effects. Take this medication by mouth, directly has your doctor has prescribed.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Cautions
Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic Atazanavir; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before taking this medication, it is for the best to inform your doctor of your Medical history, especially if you have ever had the following; liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease (such as pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders, stomach/intestinal diseases (such as peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency.
Methotrexate can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Side Effects
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
FAQs
What is Methotrexate used for?
Methotrexate, in the form of Rheumatrex, is used mainly for severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis when other medications are not successful; using this medication can help prevent further joint damage as well as preserving joint function. Additionally, it may be used to help control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer (such as breast, skin, and head and neck cancer).
What does Methotrexate do?
The conditions that Methotrexate is used for all have one thing in common; they are caused by actions of certain cells in the body. When it comes to conditions like breast or skin cancer, the cancer cells need to continuously create and repair DNA cells in order to progress and multiply in the body; this is known as cell division. Methotrexate works by interfering with the DNA so they cannot be used for cell division. If the cancerous cells cannot use the DNA to divide and multiply, it will slow, and even sometimes stop, the growth of the cancer cells. Methotrexate works similar for arthritic conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis; the inflammation of these conditions are caused by the actions of certain cells in the body, which Methotrexate has the ability to interfere with, which reduces the inflammation and all subsequent symptoms.
How long does it take for Methotrexate to work?
The exact amount of time it takes Methotrexate to work will vary between each individual. It generally takes about 3-6 weeks for the medication to begin showing an effect; improvement will continue to progress over the course of another 12 weeks.
What are the side effects of Methotrexate?
The most common side effects of Methotrexate include fever, chills, tiredness, not feeling well, mouth sores, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, or abnormal liver function tests. You may experience one or a combination of these side effects, you may experience side effects not listed here, or you may not have side effects at all. Side effects commonly go away over a short period of time and should not alarm you; however, if they persist and do not go away over time, or if they become unmanageable, you may want to consult your doctor.
What kind of drug is Methotrexate?
All drugs are divided into specific drugs classes based off the drugs mechanism of action; and based off their certain effects, there may be other classifications for the drug as well. For example, Methotrexate belongs to the drug class called antimetabolites; drugs in this group affect DNA synthesis. Methotrexate can also be considered a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant. It can be considered a chemotherapy agent because it affects rapidly growing cells and an immune system suppressant because it can suppress the strength of the immune system.
How much does Methotrexate cost?
The cost of Methotrexate will vary depending on a few things; whether you are opting for the brand or a generic alternative, as well as if you purchase locally or internationally. Using a supply of 100 tablets in the strength of 2.5mg as an example; in the United States, the brand-name product (Rheumatrex) is roughly 3.7 times more expensive than the generic product, with the generic costing roughly $2.90 per tablet. Internationally, this medication can be found even cheaper than both the brand and generic product found locally. The same supply can be purchased for as low as $85.00 when you purchase internationally through My Drug Center; that equals to about $0.85 per tablet, roughly 3.4 times cheaper than the local generic supply purchased in the United States.
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