Methotrexate
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Methotrexate 2.5mg Tablets
Methotrexate (Methotrexate Sodium) Oral
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Generic equivalents for Methotrexate...
We also carry these generic equivalents of Methotrexate to help save you money.
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Methotrexate (Methotrexate Sodium) Oral 2.5MG Tablets
Manufactured by Apotex Incorporated
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Methotrexate Prescription Drug Information
Methotrexate (By mouth)
Methotrexate (meth-oh-TREX-ate)
Treats several kinds of cancer, including cancer of the blood, bone, lung, breast, head, or neck. Also treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (a skin disease).
Brand Name(s):Trexall, Rheumatrex Dose Pack
There may be other brand names for Methotrexate.
When Methotrexate Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Methotrexate if you have had an allergic reaction to methotrexate or if you are breastfeeding. You should not use Methotrexate for arthritis or psoriasis if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease or certain problems with your blood or immune system. Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol of any kind on a regular basis.
How to Use Methotrexate:
Tablet
- Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving Methotrexate, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Methotrexate to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.The correct schedule for Methotrexate is different for arthritis, psoriasis, and different kinds of cancer. For example, people who have arthritis or psoriasis often take Methotrexate only once a week.
- Make sure you understand your personal dosing schedule. Ask your doctor and pharmacist if you are not sure when or how often to take your medicine.
- If you take the medicine only once a week, it is best to take it on the same day each week.
- Write down on a calendar or piece of paper when you are supposed to use your medicine. Keep the calendar or paper where you can see it. After you take your dose of medicine, cross off that date on your calendar or paper. This will help you remember if you took the medicine or if you still need to take it. If you need other ideas to help you keep track of your schedule, ask your pharmacist or other healthcare provider.
If a dose of Methotrexate is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- If you use Methotrexate only once a week and you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, skip the missed dose and use your medicine as soon as possible. Return to your regular schedule the following week. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Methotrexate:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Methotrexate:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- There are many drugs that can interact with methotrexate. Some of these drugs are aspirin, phenytoin (Dilantin®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), antibiotics (such as penicillin, tetracycline, Bactrim®, Septra®), and vitamin supplements that contain folic acid. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
- If you have bone cancer, ask your doctor if you need to avoid using pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®) or steroid medicines (such as prednisone).
- If you have arthritis, make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using to treat arthritis (such as aspirin, gold, ibuprofen, prednisone, sulfasalazine, Azulfidine®, Celebrex®, Plaquenil®).
- Make sure your doctor knows about any cancer treatments you are using, including cisplatin (Platinol®) or radiation.
- Tell your doctor if you have used methotrexate before for any reason.
- Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving methotrexate. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using Methotrexate.
Warnings While Using Methotrexate:
- Using Methotrexate while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with methotrexate. For a man, continue birth control for at least 3 months after stopping treatment. For a woman, continue birth control until you have had two menstrual periods after stopping treatment. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using Methotrexate, tell your doctor right away.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a stomach ulcer, colitis, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV or AIDS, problems with your immune system, or any kind of problem with your blood (such as anemia). Tell your doctor if you get an infection of any kind.
- Methotrexate may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.Tell your doctor if you have increased skin redness or other problems.
- You may get infections more easily while you are using Methotrexate. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Wash your hands often.
- Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Methotrexate. You may need to have blood tests or other kinds of medical tests. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- Call your doctor right away if you think you have taken too much of Methotrexate.
Possible Side Effects While Using Methotrexate:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
- Cough, fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips or fingers
- Eyes or skin turn yellow, or dark-colored urine or pale stools
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
- Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Methotrexate, talk with your doctor:
- Hair loss, headache, dizziness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Methotrexate, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
