Neotrexate 5mg Tablet
Methotrexate (5mg)
by Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
strip of 10 tablets
About this medicine
Neotrexate 5mg Tablet is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking too much of it can cause serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase your risk of liver damage. The most common side effects of this medicine are ulcerative stomatitis, hairloss, low blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, nausea, and abdominal distress. Your doctor may advise you to take folic acid to reduce some of these. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, X-rays, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine to check for these. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have problems related to the stomach, liver, or kidney, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may harm the baby.
Uses
- Treatment of Cancer
- Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
- Treatment of Psoriasis
- Treatment of Crohn’s disease
Benefits
In treatment of Cancer
Neotrexate 5mg Tablet works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors found in breast, lung, bladder, head and neck as well as cervical, ovarian and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
How it works
Neotrexate 5mg Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Neotrexate 5mg Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Neotrexate 5mg Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis, or damage to bowel in Crohn's disease.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Common side effects
- Ulcerative stomatitis
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hair loss
- Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
Safety advice
- AlcoholUNSAFE
- It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Neotrexate 5mg Tablet.
- PregnancyUNSAFE
- Neotrexate 5mg Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
- Breast feedingUNSAFE
- Neotrexate 5mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
- DrivingUNSAFE
- Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
- KidneyCAUTION
- Neotrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
- LiverCAUTION
- Neotrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Neotrexate 5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick facts
- Chemical Class
- Glutamic Acid Derivative
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Anti neoplastics
- Action Class
- Antimetabolite- Methotrexate
Frequently asked questions
Can Neotrexate 5mg Tablet cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, Neotrexate 5mg Tablet can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.
Why do I have to take folic acid with Neotrexate 5mg Tablet?
Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Neotrexate 5mg Tablet decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Neotrexate 5mg Tablet such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.
Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Neotrexate 5mg Tablet?
Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Neotrexate 5mg Tablet and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.
Can Neotrexate 5mg Tablet use make me more prone to infections?
Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Neotrexate 5mg Tablet use. If you have an active infection, Neotrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with extreme caution.
Can Neotrexate 5mg Tablet affect fertility?
Yes, Neotrexate 5mg Tablet may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.
What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Neotrexate 5mg Tablet?
You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is taking Neotrexate 5mg Tablet. Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Salt composition
- Methotrexate (5mg)
- Pack
- strip of 10 tablets
- Dosage form
- Tablet
- Storage
- Store below 30°C
Same salt, other brands
Therapeutically equivalent. Ask your doctor or our pharmacist before substituting.
The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.