Methotrexate Injection

What is Methotrexate Injection ?

Methotrexate Injection is an injectable medication that belongs to a class of drugs called antimetabolites, which act by slowing the growth of certain cells and by suppressing the immune system.

Why is it prescribed?

Methotrexate Injection is prescribed to treat cancers such as leukemia, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, a type of skin cancer called mycosis fungoides, and trophoblastic neoplasms. It is also used for severe cases of psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, which are caused by an overactive immune system.

It should only be used for serious conditions, as Methotrexate Injection can have dangerous side effects such as bone marrow suppression, electrolyte imbalance due to tumor lysis syndrome, serious skin reactions, certain types of pneumonia or other opportunistic infections, bone or tissue damage, and damage to the liver, lungs, kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor will need to do blood tests before, during and after administration of this drug to make sure none of these effects are occurring. You should also avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with this drug as it can cause defects or death of an unborn baby.

What is the dosage?

Methotrexate Injection is administered intravenously. The dosage will vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s response.

Contraindications

Do not use Methotrexate Injection if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it.

Also be sure to let your doctor know of any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, medications, animals, or dyes. Do not use Methotrexate Injection if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

You should also talk to your physician about any herbal supplements you may be taking, and about your alcohol use.  Let him or her know if you have had any of the following:

• Liver disease
• Serious kidney disease
• Lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis
• Blood or bone marrow disorders
• Suppressed immune system
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers
• Recent exposure to chicken pox or any active infection

While being treated with Methotrexate Injection, do not use heavy machinery or drive until you are sure the medication is not making you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid drinking alcohol and stay out of the sun. The drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use sunscreen when outdoors. Do not have any immunizations unless your doctor approves it, and keep away from others who have recently had oral polio vaccine. Avoid getting cut or injured and wash hands thoroughly to prevent infections. This drug should be used with caution in children, who tend to be more sensitive to the side effects of Methotrexate Injection.

Interactions

Methotrexate Injection may interact with the following drugs. Please let your physician know if you are taking any of these drugs before starting Methotrexate Injection.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®), Indomethacin (Indocin®), etc.
• Oral acne medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane®)
• Diabetes medicines (oral)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin®)
• Probenecid (Benemid®)
• Sulfa drugs such as Bactrim®
• Tetracycline
• Penicillin and related drugs
• Chloramphenicol
• Acitretin
• Asparaginase
• Ciproflaxin
• Digoxin
• Leflunomide
• Procarbazine
• Pyrimethamine

This is not a complete list; be sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking, including vitamins of any kind.

Side Effects

The following side effects are most common with this drug. Call your doctor if they become severe or persistent.

• Thin or brittle hair
• Blistering skin or acne
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Mouth blistering
• Fatigue

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following serious side effects.

• Symptoms of allergic reaction such as swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face; rash or hives, itching, trouble breathing.
• Painful urination, red or dark urine, change in amount of urine
• Diarrhea
• Black (tarry) stools
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Cough/congestion
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Dizziness/drowsiness
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Vision changes
• Mood/mental changes
• Muscle weakness
• Stiff neck
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Edema (swelling) of the ankles or feet
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Seizures
• Jaundice (yellow color to eyes or skin)

References:

http://www.medicinenet.com/methotrexate-injection/page2.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682018.html

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