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Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Trexall works by interfering with cell growth and by suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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trexall
Uses
Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Trexall works by interfering with cell growth and by suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.
Storage
- Store Trexall at room temperature between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, and bloody stools.
Photos
Trexall Tablets Tab 10 mg Barr |
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Trexall Tablets Tab 5 mg Barr |
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Why did my doctor prescribe TREXALL? |
Trexall Home Page |
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How To Use
- This is a potent medication.
- The dose and how often you take Trexall is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- There are many different dosing schedules for Trexall (especially for cancer treatment).
- Therefore, it is very important that you follow your doctor s instructions carefully.
- Take it by mouth exactly as directed.
- For managing psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take Trexall exactly as directed, usually once a week.
- It may take up to several months of continued use before the full benefit of Trexall is seen.
- Do not increase your dose or take Trexall more often without your doctor s approval.
- Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
- Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while taking Trexall.
- This helps your kidneys to remove Trexall from your body and minimize some of the side effects.
- Trexall may come with a Patient Information Leaflet.
- Read it carefully.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Trexall.
Side Effects
- See also the Warning section.
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness or dizziness may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mouth sores, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, persistent sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools, skin rash, enlarged glands/lymph nodes, dark urine, bone pain, unusual pain and discoloration of the skin.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing of the eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, dry cough, trouble breathing, calf pain/swelling, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, seizures.
- Temporary hair loss may occur.
- Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
- An allergic reaction to Trexall is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Trexall should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using Trexall, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: liver disease, severe kidney disease, severe lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders.
- Before using Trexall, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal diseases (e.g., peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), kidney disease, any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency, any allergies.
- Trexall may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Trexall may make you more sensitive to the sun.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps.
- Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
- Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
- Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured.
- Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
- Methotrexate must not be used during pregnancy.
- It may cause fetal harm.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy must be avoided, therefore males and females must use reliable form(s) of birth control during and for at least 3 months following the end of methotrexate treatment.
- Methotrexate passes into breast milk.
- Do not breast-feed while using Trexall due to the risk for fetal harm.
Missed Dose
- It is important to use each dose at the scheduled time.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.
- Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Trexall should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: acitretin, asparaginase, live vaccines, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) with high-dose methotrexate therapy for certain cancers, pyrimethamine.
- If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting methotrexate.
- Before using Trexall, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: aspirin/NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), other cancer treatments potentially toxic to the kidney (e.g., cisplatin), digoxin, leflunomide, other drugs potentially toxic to the liver (e.g., azathioprine, sulfasalazine, retinoids such as isotretinoin), penicillins, phenytoin, probenecid, procarbazine, sulfa medications, theophylline.
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol, sulfa, tetracyclines) may interfere with methotrexate blood tests (increase methotrexate blood levels due to protein-binding displacement).
- Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are using any of these types of antibiotics.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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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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