$Unique_ID{BRK02025}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{METHOTREXATE}
$Subject{Methotrexate (Lederle)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


METHOTREXATE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Methotrexate (Lederle)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug), antipsoriatic
INGREDIENT:
     methotrexate
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (2.5 mg)
STORAGE:
     Methotrexate should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer and severe
psoriasis.  It works by slowing the growth rate of rapidly proliferating
cells.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take methotrexate with food
or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you miss more
than two doses in a row, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal distress, fatigue, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, nausea,
or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.  Methotrexate also causes hair loss, which is reversible when the
medication is stopped.
     This medication can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear
protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
back pain, blurred vision, convulsions, diarrhea, difficult or painful
urination, drowsiness, fever, headache, itching, menstrual changes, mouth
sores, rash, severe abdominal pain, skin color changes, unusual bleeding or
bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Methotrexate interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of alcohol and methotrexate can lead to an increased
risk of liver damage.
     2. Methotrexate can block the effectiveness of antigout medications.
     3. Phenylbutazone, probenecid, phenytoin, tetracycline, aspirin,
chloramphenicol, salicylates, naproxen, ketoprofen, and sulfonamide
antibiotics can increase the blood levels of methotrexate, which can lead to
an increase in serious side effects.
     4. Methotrexate can increase the effects of the blood thinner warfarin,
which can lead to bleeding complications.
     5. Folic acid vitamins may decrease the effect of this medication.
     Before starting to take methotrexate, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to methotrexate.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had blood disorders, gout, infection, kidney
disease, liver disease, or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * While you are taking methotrexate, you should drink plenty of fluids so
that you urinate often (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  This
helps prevent kidney and bladder problems during therapy.
     * You should not be immunized or vaccinated while taking methotrexate.
The vaccination or immunization will not be effective and may lead to an
infection if a live-virus vaccine is used.
     * Methotrexate is a potent medication that can cause serious side
effects.  Your doctor will, therefore, want to monitor your therapy carefully
with blood tests.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Methotrexate has been
shown to cause birth defects or death of the fetus.  Effective contraception
should be used during treatment and for at least eight weeks after treatment
is stopped.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Methotrexate passes into breast milk and can cause side effects in nursing
infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
