Folitrax 20mg Tablet 4?S Allschoolabs -

Description

INTRODUCTION
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET contains Methotrexate which belongs to the group of medicines called Antimetabolites. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ALL (Acute Lymphocytic/ lymphoblastic Leukemia) in adults. In addition, it is also used to treat bone cancer and lung cancer. FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is also treats polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disease that results in the inflammation of bones due to body?s own immune system. Acute Lymphocytic/lymphoblastic Leukemia is a type of cancer developing from white blood cells in the bone marrow and may suddenly spread to invade other body parts such as spleen, brain, lymph nodes. Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis characterized by the involvement of five or more joints that is of severe, active, juvenile and idiopathic in nature.
Before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, it is recommended to inform the doctor about your medical and family history, including the list of medicines (prescription, non-prescription medicines and herbal medicines) that are being taken.
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended to be taken by the pregnant and nursing women, women planning pregnancy, those who drink huge amount of alcohol and patients suffering from liver and kidney impairment.
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depends on your child?s age, body weight and disease condition. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Caution must be exercised by the patients suffering from lung disorders, blood disorders and gastric disorders before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Care must be taken to avoid taking products containing caffeine such as black tea, coffee and cold drinks while taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
The most common side effects seen after taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and altered levels of blood cells. Consult a doctor if any of the above side effect worsens after taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
USES OF FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid arthritis

ALL (Acute Lymphocytic/lymphoblastic Leukemia)

Bone and lung cancer

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in children)

HOW FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET WORKS
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET contains Methotrexate which works by interfering with the growth of those cells in the body that reproduce quickly. As a result, growth of those cells gets retarded, thus serving as an anti-tumour agent. Also, it decreases the undesired reactions of the body?s own immune-defence mechanism, thereby working as an effective immunosuppressant. Additionally, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing the pain, swelling and redness. As a result, it treats and resolves the symptoms associated with diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass full of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET

COMMON

Nausea

Diarrhea

Pain in abdomen

Development of inflammation and ulcerations in mouth

Decrease in the count of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets

Elevated level of liver enzymes ?

Development of rash and reddening of the skin

Loss of hair ?

Dizziness

Large group of lung disorders resulting in the inflammation and scarring of lung

Sensitivity to light

Headache

Tiredness

Swelling of the mouth

Anorexia ??

UNCOMMON

Formation of lump, along with pain in back, weight loss and development of night sweats

Bleeding from nose

Formation of blisters and peeling of the topmost layer of the skin

Ulcers in vagina (women)

RARE

Elevated level of blood sugar ?

Development of a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters

Depression and confusion

Difficulty and inability to move one half of body

Decreased blood pressure

Clot in the veins characterized by tenderness and swelling of the lower extremities

Difficulty in breathing

Lung disease

Pain and cramps in abdomen, diarrhoea, dehydration, fever, nausea, vomiting and weight loss

Development of acne and lightened patches on the skin

Hives

Muscle and joint pain ?

Increase in rheumatic nodules

Loss of sexual interest

Inability to have sex

Menstrual disorders (women)
Stop taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:?
Infection, soreness in throat, mouth ulcers, fever, chills

Inflammation of the lung with breathlessness characterized by persistent cough, pain or difficulty in breathing, breathlessness, especially while doing exercise

Blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals along with feeling sick, indicative of Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal necrolysis

Skin rash and fever with swollen glands (hypersensitivity reaction)

Loss of co-ordination

Loss of ability to speak or to understand speech

Weakness leading to inability to move one side of the body or the whole body

Convulsions or fits

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Development of swelling in the hands, ankles or feet

Fever and chills, along with rapid and fast breathing, low count of neutrophils (white blood cells) and low blood pressure

Miscarriage

Fetal damages

Spitting out or coughing blood

Chest pain

Unexpected bleeding as in blood from nose, gums, in urine and vomit

Fever

Easy tendency to bleed, bruise and persistent bleeding

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Stay hydrated and take rest as much possible. Stay away from harsh lights and loud sounds. Apply a pain-relieving balm on forehead. If headache persists or worsens, consult your doctor.
Dizziness:
Take adequate amount of rest and sleep. Stay hydrated and replenish yourself with electrolytes. Also, do not indulge in driving and using heavy machinery as it may prove to be dangerous.
Diarrhoea:
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Drink oral rehydration solution to compensate for the loss of water and minerals. Stay hydrated. consult your doctor if it persists for long or worsens with time.
Nausea or Vomiting:
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for long or worsens with time.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you are pregnant and/or are planning to become pregnant since it can be harmful to the foetus (growing baby) and lead to various malformations. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
BREASTFEEDING
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you are a nursing mother. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you feel tired and/or dizzy after taking the medicine. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
ALCOHOL
It is recommended to avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
KIDNEY
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you have kidney disorder and/or are receiving any dialysis treatment. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
LIVER
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you have liver disorder. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
ALLERGY
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you are allergic to Methotrexate and/or any other constituent of FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
LUNGS
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is recommended to be taken with caution if you have issues with lung function and are diagnosed with pleural effusion. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
OTHERS
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
Have blood disorders

Have impaired immune system

Have or had infection

Have ulcers in the gastro-intestinal tract

Are receiving vaccinations containing live vaccines
Before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
Have diabetes

Have mental illness

Are receiving radiotherapy for various conditions

Are planned for any surgery (including dental treatments) that involves general anaesthesia

Have ulcers in the colon (ulcerative colitis)
Use in pediatrics:
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET can be used with caution in children to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depends on your child?s age, body weight and disease condition. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Use in geriatrics:
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is recommended to be administered with caution and in lower dosage to elderly patients due to diminished function of liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in blood. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
Medicines used to treat pain and fever (Ex. naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac)

Medicines used to increase urine excretion (Ex. frusemide)

Medicines used to prevent fits and treat epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin)

Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (Ex. amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin)

Medicines used for general anesthesia and pain relief (Ex. nitrous oxide)

Medicines that contain live vaccine (Ex. MMR Vaccine)

Medicines used to treat increased sugar level (Ex. metformin)

Medicines used to treat schizophrenia (Ex. olanzapine)

Medicines used to prevent and treat malaria (Ex. pyrimethamine)

Medicines used to treat failure of heart (Ex. digoxin)

Medicines used for treatment of various inflammatory conditions like skin diseases, allergic reactions (Ex. hydrocortisone)

Medicines used in the treatment of cancer (Ex. doxorubicin, cisplatin, mercaptopurine)

Medicines used to treat skin conditions (Ex. retinoids)

Medicines used to treat gout (Ex. probenecid)

Other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (Ex. leflunomide, phenylbutazone or amidopyrine)

Medicines used to treat asthma (Ex. theophylline)

Medicines used in organ transplantation to prevent organ rejection (Ex. cyclosporin, azathioprine)

Medicines used to treat reduced folic acid levels (Ex. folic acid preparations)

Medicines used to treat skin disorders (Ex. p-aminobenzoic acid)

Medicines used to treat stomach ulcers and heart burn (Ex. omeprazole)

Medicines that can be harmful to liver (Ex. alcohol, sulfasalazine)
B. Drug-Food Interactions:
It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine such as black tea, coffee, soft drinks along with FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET to prevent dehydration.
Overdosage:
If you or some else accidentally takes too much of FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdosage with FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET are easy tendency to bruise or bleed, nausea, vomiting, feeling unusual weakness, along with development of mouth sores and ulcers.
SYNOPSIS

Drug :?? Methotrexate

Pharmacological Category :?? Anti-metabolites

Therapeutic Indication :?? Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Cancer? ? ? ? ? ?

Dosage Forms :?? Injection, Gel, Capsule, Tablet

MORE INFORMATION

Keep FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET out of the reach and sight of children

Store FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET at a temperature below 25?C

FAQs ABOUT FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
What is FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET used for?
It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ALL (Acute Lymphocytic/ lymphoblastic Leukemia) in adults. In addition, it is also used to treat bone cancer and lung cancer. FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is also treats polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children.
Can I take FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET in pregnancy?
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women and/or in women who are planning pregnancy because it can be harmful for the foetus (growing baby in the womb). Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Can I take FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET if I am breast feeding a baby?
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for nursing mothers due to lack of safety data. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Can FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET be taken by children?
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET can be used with caution in children to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depends on your child?s age, body weight and health condition. Consult your doctor for advice before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Can FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET be used by elderly?
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is recommended to be administered with caution and in lower dosage to? elders due to diminished function of liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in blood in old age. Also, it is recommended to closely monitor the elderly, taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET for the identification of possible side effects. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Is there any specific food to avoid while taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET?
It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine such as black tea, coffee, soft drinks along with FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET to prevent dehydration.
REFERENCES
1. KD. Tripathi. Antirheumatoid and Antigout Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page ? 210.
2. KD Tripathi. Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page ? 857.
3. Brown, P.M., Pratt, A.G. and Isaacs, J.D., 2016. Mechanism of action of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis and ?search? for biomarkers.? Nature Reviews Rheumatology. [Published on 27th October 2016] [Accessed on 1st November 2022]?https://www.nature.com/articles/nrrheum.2016.175
4.?Hospira UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) U.K [Revised in March 2022] [Accessed on 1st November 2022]?https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6790.pdf
5.?Accord Healthcare Inc. U.S.A. [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 1st November 2022]?https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=874c7f43-a3be-4236-89cc-24c44e3c5813&type=display#section-9
6.?Teva Women?s Health, Inc. [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on 1st November 2022]?https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e942f8db-510f-44d6-acb5-b822196f5e8c&type=display#section-9
7.?Imutaj. Taj Pharma. [Accessed on 1st November 2022]?https://tajpharma.in/portfolio-item/methotrexate-tablets-ip-5mg-imutaj-taj-pharma/
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS