Methotrexate interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body,
especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow
cells, and skin cells.
Methotrexate is used to treat
certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. It is also
used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate is usually given
after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of
symptoms.
Methotrexate is usually taken
once or twice per week and not every day. You must use the correct dose for
your condition. Some people have died after taking methotrexate every day by
accident.
Do not use methotrexate to
treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you have liver disease (especially
if caused by alcoholism), or a blood cell or bone marrow disorder
Methotrexate can lower blood
cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may
get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual
bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Methotrexate can cause serious
or life-threatening side effects on your liver, lungs, or kidneys. Tell your
doctor if you have upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dry cough,
shortness of breath, blood in your urine, or little or no urinating.
Side effect of Trexall
(Methotrexate)
Stop using methotrexate and
call your doctor at once if you have:
·
dry cough, shortness of
breath;
·
diarrhea, vomiting, white
patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
·
blood in your urine or stools;
·
swelling, rapid weight gain,
little or no urinating;
·
seizure (convulsions);
·
fever, chills, body aches, flu
symptoms;
·
pale skin, easy bruising,
unusual bleeding, weakness, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
·
liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired
feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing
of the skin or eyes); or
·
severe skin
reaction - fever, sore throat,
swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a
red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and
causes blistering and peeling.
Common methotrexate side
effects may include:
·
vomiting, upset stomach;
·
headache, dizziness, tired
feeling; or
·
blurred vision.