METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET

METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, and severe psoriatic arthritis. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system).

METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET contains 'Methotrexate' that works by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells, thereby helps treat cancer. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis.

In some cases, METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may cause common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lowered resistance to infections, tingling sensation, leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells), and soreness of mouth and lips. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Take METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET exactly as prescribed by the doctor; daily intake of METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET could lead to serious toxic effects. Do not take METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may cause dizziness and fatigue, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol whilst on treatment with METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET. Your doctor may advise you to undergo regular blood tests, kidney and liver tests to monitor your condition. Inform your doctor about your medications and health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.

Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Psoriasis, Cancer

METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis in children), severe psoriasis, and severe psoriatic arthritis. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET helps treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system). METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells by interfering with DNA production. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may also be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Lowered resistance to infections
• Tingling sensation
• Leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells)
• Soreness of mouth and lips

Do not take METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, serious anaemia, liver problems due to alcohol abuse, chronic liver disease; if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET if you have/had liver or kidney problems, ulceration in the stomach or bowels, poor general condition, received any vaccinations or if you are due to have any vaccinations, diabetes, ascites (fluid in the stomach area), lung problems or fluid in the lungs. METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may cause dizziness and fatigue, so drive only if you are alert. Take METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET exactly as directed by the doctor as it may cause serious problems if not taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Stop taking METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET and consult your doctor immediately if you have mouth sores, diarrhoea, a fever, dehydration, cough, bleeding, shortness of breath, any signs of infection, or a skin rash.

Drug-Drug Interactions: METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may interact with pain killers (celecoxib, acetaminophen, hydrocodone), anti-depressant (duloxetine), immunosuppressants (etanercept), anti-rheumatoid (adalimumab), antacid (esomeprazole), and anti-malarial (hydroxychloroquine).

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol whilst on treatment with METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET. 

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, serious anaemia, liver problems due to alcohol abuse, or chronic liver disease.

• CELECOXIB
• ACETAMINOPHEN
• HYDROCODONE
• DULOXETINE
• ETANERCEPT
• ADALIMUMAB
• ESOMEPRAZOLE
• HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE

Arthritis:

• Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle exercises like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
• Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
• Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
• Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Psoriasis:

• Include foods such as cherries, berries, leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Consume antioxidant-rich spices and herbs like cumin, ginger, sage and thyme.
• Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and fatty foods.
• Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
• Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
• Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
• Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

Cancer:

• Consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs, and spices in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.

• Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception whilst on treatment with METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
• Male patients are advised to consult their doctor regarding the possibility of sperm preservation before starting the treatment as METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may cause infertility.
• METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• Your doctor may advise regular blood tests, kidney and liver tests to monitor your condition.
• If you miss a dose of METHOTREXATE 2.5MG TABLET, call your doctor and ask if you should take the missed dose or not.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, and swelling.

Psoriatic arthritis: It is a type of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis. It could also occur in patients without psoriasis, particularly in those who have relatives with psoriasis. It affects large joints in the lower extremities, distal joints of toes and fingers, back, and pelvis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, swelling, patches of red, scaly skin, and pain.

Psoriasis: It is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the skin to multiply ten times faster than normal. This leads to a rapid build-up of skin cells, causing scaling on the skin surface. Symptoms include inflamed, red, raised patches of skin, soreness around the patches, itching, burning sensations, painful, swollen joints, and dry skin.

Cancer: It is a genetic change in which the cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer, namely benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy (by strong antibiotics), radiation, and stem cell therapy.