FOLITREX 15 ING

About

Methotrexate is a potent antimetabolite and antifolate agent that exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, a crucial enzyme involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. This inhibition leads to the suppression of cell proliferation, particularly affecting rapidly dividing cells such as immune cells and cancer cells. Its mechanism of action makes it a cornerstone in both rheumatology and oncology, albeit at vastly different dosages and treatment regimens.

In rheumatology, methotrexate is administered at low, weekly doses as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) to effectively reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and slow the progression of chronic autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. In oncology, significantly higher doses are employed as a chemotherapy agent to target and treat various types of cancer, including certain leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors, by disrupting their growth and replication cycles.

Uses

• Treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis
• Management of severe psoriasis
• Treatment of certain types of cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma)
• Management of psoriatic arthritis

Directions For Use

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once weekly on a specific day. Folic acid supplementation is often prescribed to reduce side effects; take as directed, typically not on the same day as methotrexate.

Benefits

• Reduces inflammation and pain in arthritis.
• Slows progression of autoimmune diseases.
• Clears skin lesions in psoriasis.
• Effective against various cancers.
• Can reduce the need for corticosteroids.
• Well-established efficacy as a DMARD.

Side Effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomatitis (mouth sores)
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Liver enzyme elevation
• Bone marrow suppression (low blood counts)
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Pulmonary fibrosis (rare, but serious)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid alcohol completely while on methotrexate due to a significantly increased risk of liver damage and hepatotoxicity.
• Pregnancy - Methotrexate is highly teratogenic and contraindicated in pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment.
• Breastfeeding - Methotrexate is excreted into breast milk and can cause serious adverse effects in the infant; breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment.
• Liver - Contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease; regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Kidney - Use with extreme caution and dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment, as methotrexate is primarily excreted by the kidneys and accumulation can lead to severe toxicity.
• Lung - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing lung disease; monitor for signs of pulmonary toxicity (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), which can be severe.

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