Common Use

Rheumatrex is primarily used to treat cancer, severe psoriasis, serious skin problems, and rheumatoid arthritis. Its main component, Methotraxate, helps reduce joint damage caused by severe rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors also prescribe this medication for lupus and psoriatic arthritis.

Dosage and Direction

The dosage of Rheumatrex is determined by a physician based on factors such as medical condition, age, weight, and medication tolerance. For cancer, it is typically taken once a week. For psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, it is usually taken once a week as a single dose or divided into three doses taken every 12 hours. The standard weekly dosage is 7.5 mg.

Precautions

Rheumatrex is a potent medication with significant toxicity and should only be used after less toxic options have been tried. Patients must undergo regular monitoring during treatment. Potential risks include liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, skin reactions, and lung problems.

Contraindications

• Unusual blood cell count
• Active infections
• Alcoholic liver diseases or chronic liver diseases
• Alcoholism
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy
• Allergy
• Immune-system deficiency
• Peptic ulcer
• Liver diseases
• Ulcerative colitis

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, drowsiness, and dizziness. These typically subside quickly, but severe symptoms should be reported to a doctor. More serious reactions may include:

• Mouth sores
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Unusual bleeding
• Dark or turbid urine
• Black stools
• Skin rash
• Bone pain
• Discoloration of the skin
• Temporary hair loss

Drug Interaction

Rheumatrex interacts with various medications, including:

• Antibiotics
• Azathioprine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Phenytoin
• Probenecid
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Retinoids
• Salicylates
• Sulfasalazine
• Sulphonamides
• Theophylline

Consult a healthcare professional before using Rheumatrex with these medications.

Missed Dose

If you miss a daily dose, skip it and take the next one as scheduled. Do not double the dose. For weekly doses, consult your physician if you forget to take the medication.

Overdose

Overdosing on Rheumatrex can have severe consequences, including mouth sores, severe nausea, vomiting, bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney failure, or shock. Seek immediate medical attention for overdose or severe side effects.

Storage

Store Rheumatrex in its original packaging, away from children and pets. Keep it in a cool, dry place at room temperature, avoiding moisture and heat.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We are not responsible for any consequences of self-treatment or errors in this information.