Folitrax 15 mg Injection 1ml

FOLITRAX 15MG contains methotrexate which belongs to a group of medicine called anti-metabolites. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
It can also be used as an immunosuppressant, which reduces the activity of the immune system.

In larger doses, it can be used to treat various forms of cancer. In smaller doses, it can be used to treat severe form of psoriasis (a skin disease with thickened patches of inflamed red skin, often covered by silvery scales) and rheumatoid arthritis, when it has not responded to other treatments.

Methotrexate kills the rapidly multiplying cells of the skin in psoriasis. In rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces inflammation in joints by altering body’s defence mechanism in immune system. In cancer, methotrexate inhibits the enzymes responsible for nucleotide synthesis and prevents cell division. FOLITRAX 15MG must not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, anemia or weak immune system.

USES OF FOLITRAX 15MG:

Treats various forms of cancer such as choriocarcinoma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, bladder cancer, Burkitt’s lymphoma or advanced stages of childhood lymphoma
Used in severe form of psoriasis
Treats rheumatoid arthritis

HOW FOLITRAX 15MG WORKS:

Methotrexate inhibits the enzymes responsible for nucleotide synthesis including dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, aminoimidazole caboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (AICART) and amido phosphoribosyl transferase which prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions.

Since cellular proliferation in malignant tissues (cancerous tissue) are greater than in most normal tissues, methotrexate may impair malignant growth without causing any irreversible damage to normal tissues. Methotrexate has an immunosuppressive effect, resulting in the inhibition of lymphocyte multiplication. In psoriasis, it kills the rapidly multiplying skin cells.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

This medicine should be only given by a doctor or a nurse into a vein (intravenously), muscle (intramuscularly) or into an artery (intraarterially). It may also be given by an infusion (drip) into a vein. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you and how often it must be given.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLITRAX 15MG:

SERIOUS

Allergic reaction (a sudden itchy rash, swelling of hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing)
Spitting or coughing blood
Symptoms of an infection e.g. fever, chills, achiness, sore throat
Black tarry stools
A sore mouth
Diarrhea
Stroke
Chest pain

COMMON

Feeling or being sick
Dizziness or drowsiness
Fits
Vasculitis (pain or redness of blood vessels)
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
Cystitis (painful urination)
Headaches
Blurred vision or eye infection (conjunctivitis)
Osteoporosis
Pain in stomach, loins or abdomen
Irregular periods in women
Hair loss
Ringing of the ears
Joint and muscle pain
Mood alterations
Inflammation of the lungs
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS:

Feeling sick or being sick:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal and stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

INTERACTIONS:

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to relieve pain (e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin or similar medicines)
Medicines used to reduce the acid production (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole)
Diuretics (water tablets)
Medicines used to treat diabetes (insulin)
Antibiotics (used to treat infection) such as penicillins, sulphonamides, co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and para-aminobenzoic acid
Phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
Vitamin supplements containing folic acid
Probenecid (medicine used to treat gout)
Nitrous oxide (used for general anaesthesia and pain relief)
Retinoids, such as acitretin (a medicine used to treat psoriasis) or isotretinoin (used to treat severe acne)
Live virus vaccines
Mercaptopurine (medicine used to treat blood cell cancer)
Theophylline (medicine used to treat asthma)

SYNOPSIS:

Drug : Methotrexate
Pharmacological Category : Antimetabolite, Antirheumatic, Immunosuppressant Agent
Therapeutic Indication : Psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cancer
Dosage Forms : Tablet, Injection, Gel

MORE INFORMATION:

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQ’s ABOUT FOLITRAX 15MG:

Q: Can FOLITRAX 15MG be given to pregnant women?
A: No. This medicine can cause birth defects, harm the unborn child or cause miscarriage. So, it should not be given to pregnant women unless necessary.

Q: Can FOLITRAX 15MG be given to children?
A: Yes. This medicine should be used with caution in children. Special care is required.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Most common side effects

USES OF FOLITRAX TABLET

• Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
• Treatment of Psoriasis

BENEFITS OF FOLITRAX TABLET

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Folitrax 15 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked.

It is not a first-line treatment. It works by reducing the body’s immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function.

Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.

In Treatment of Psoriasis

Folitrax 15 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked.
Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly.

Folitrax 15 Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit.

DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLITRAX TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Folitrax

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Mouth sore

HOW TO USE FOLITRAX TABLET

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. Folitrax 15 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW FOLITRAX TABLET WORKS

Folitrax 15 Tablet is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Folitrax 15 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

Folitrax 15 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 feeding

Folitrax 15 Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Driving

Folitrax 15 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

Folitrax 15 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Folitrax 15 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.

Liver

Folitrax 15 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Folitrax 15 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Folitrax 15 Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE FOLITRAX TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Folitrax 15 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.