Biotrexate 50mg Injection

About

Biotrexate 50mg Injection contains methotrexate, an antimetabolite and antifolate agent that works by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme crucial for DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. This action primarily targets rapidly dividing cells, making it effective in treating various cancers, including certain leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Beyond its cytotoxic effects, methotrexate also exhibits significant immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties at lower doses, which are utilized in the management of severe autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Its diverse mechanisms allow it to disrupt cell growth and modulate immune responses, providing therapeutic benefits across a spectrum of conditions. Due to its potent effects, its use requires careful monitoring and management by healthcare professionals.

Uses

• Treatment of various cancers (e.g., acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer).
• Management of severe, active rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treatment of severe, recalcitrant psoriasis.
• Management of psoriatic arthritis.

Directions For Use

Administered via intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, or intrathecal injection by a healthcare professional. Dosage and frequency vary widely based on indication and patient factors.

Benefits

• Effective in inducing remission in various cancers.
• Significantly reduces inflammation and joint damage in arthritis.
• Controls severe psoriasis symptoms.
• Can be used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).
• Well-established efficacy and long-term data.
• Available in multiple formulations for different routes of administration.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Fatigue
• Myelosuppression (low blood counts)
• Liver toxicity
• Kidney damage
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Photosensitivity

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Strictly avoid alcohol consumption as it significantly increases the risk of liver toxicity, a major side effect of methotrexate.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated in pregnancy due to severe teratogenic effects and risk of fetal death; effective contraception is mandatory for both men and women during and for a specified period after treatment.
• Breastfeeding - Contraindicated during breastfeeding as methotrexate is excreted in breast milk and can cause serious adverse effects in the infant.
• Liver - Use with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease; regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial, and dose adjustments or discontinuation may be necessary.
• Kidney - Use with extreme caution in patients with renal impairment as methotrexate is primarily excreted by the kidneys; dose reduction is often required, and close monitoring of kidney function is essential to prevent toxicity.
• Lung - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing lung conditions; methotrexate can cause severe pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis, which can be fatal.

Disclaimer

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