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This medication is used to treat a serious lung infection (Pneumocystis pneumonia-PCP) in patients with immune system problems, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is used when the usual medications cannot be used or are not working well. Trimetrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by killing the organism that causes the infection.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Trimetrexate
Uses
This medication is used to treat a serious lung infection (Pneumocystis pneumonia-PCP) in patients with immune system problems, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is used when the usual medications cannot be used or are not working well. Trimetrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimicrobials. It works by killing the organism that causes the infection.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., red/white blood cell counts, kidney function, liver function, blood sodium/calcium) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store unmixed vials at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light.
- The diluted solution may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) for up to 24 hours.
- Do not freeze.
- Discard any mixed solution after 24 hours.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- This medication is given in the hospital by a health care professional.
- It is injected slowly into a vein over 1 hour, usually once daily at the same time each day or as directed by your doctor.
- Another drug leucovorin, is also given every day that you receive trimetrexate and for 72 hours after your last dose of trimetrexate.
- It is given either by mouth or by injection into a vein, usually every 6 hours.
- The length of treatment is usually 21 days.Trimetrexate and leucovorin injections must be given separately.
- Trimetrexate must not be injected with solutions containing chloride (e.g., sodium chloride for injection).Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
- Your dose may be decreased or temporarily stopped if you have severe side effects.Before giving an injection, inspect the medication visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.Use great care when handling this medication.
- Avoid contact with skin.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes if your skin comes into contact with trimetrexate.
- Discard all needles, tubing, and other injection equipment properly.This medication is given regularly to get the most benefit from it.Immediately tell your doctor if your breathing/cough/fever worsens.
Side Effects
- See also Warning section.Fever, nausea, or vomiting may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication may have serious side effects, but careful monitoring by your doctor will decrease your risk.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent/high fever, mouth sores, unusual bruising/bleeding, confusion, yellowing skin/eyes, abdominal pain, signs of another infection (e.g., increased fever, chills, persistent sore throat), signs of low red blood cells (e.g., worsening breathing problems, bluish skin/nails).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: decrease in the amount of urine, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using trimetrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to leucovorin or methotrexate; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low red/white blood cells, low platelets, liver problems, kidney problems.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor for more details.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Since this medication may cause serious side effects in a nursing infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
- If you are HIV-positive, avoid breast-feeding since breast milk can transmit HIV to a nursing infant.
- Consult your doctor for more information.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, tell your doctor/nurse immediately.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: zidovudine, live vaccines (e.g., measles/mumps/rubella, poliovirus, typhoid, chickenpox virus).If you are currently using or recently received any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting trimetrexate.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: erythromycin, rifampin, rifabutin, ketoconazole, fluconazole, cimetidine.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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