METHOTREXATE 50mg Injection 2ml treats cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells. It treats psoriasis by slowing the growth of skin cells to stop scales from forming.
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for METHOTREXATE 50mg Injection 2ml

Diarrhea severe

Joint pain severe

Abdominal pain severe

Swelling of feet or lower legs severe

Dizziness severe

Fever with chills severe

Unusual bleeding severe

Blurred vision severe

Hair loss

Loss of appetite

Nausea or Vomiting

Pale skin

Skin rash

Pain at the injection site

Uses of METHOTREXATE 50mg Injection 2ml
What is it prescribed for?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
This medicine is used in the treatment of cancer of the bone marrow that affects the production of white blood cells.

Choriocarcinoma
This medicine is used for the treatment of cancers that occur in the woman?s uterus.

Meningeal Leukemia
This medicine is used for the treatment of cancer affecting the meninges which is a thin layer that protects the brain and spinal cord.

Breast cancer
This medicine is used with other medications in the treatment of breast cancer.

Psoriasis
This medicine is used for the treatment of severe psoriasis (an autoimmune skin disease characterized by red inflamed skin, often covered by scales) that cannot be controlled by other forms of therapy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
This medicine is used alone or with other medications for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that affects the joints in the body causing pain and swelling) along with rest and physical therapy.

Concerns

Frequently asked questions

Onset of action
The amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.

Duration of Effect
The amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.

Safe with Alchohol?
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended due to the risk of liver injury. Close monitoring of liver enzymes is necessary. Seek immediate medical treatment if any symptoms like lethargy, yellow-colored eyes, and skin, abdominal pain appear.

Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendencies were reported.

Usage in pregnancy?
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

Usage while breast-feeding?
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

When not to use?

Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to METHOTREXATE 50mg Injection 2ml , or any other inactive ingredients present along with the formulation.

Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women due to the increased risk of birth defects.

Liver disease
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment and alcoholic liver disease due to the increased risk of worsening the patient’s condition.

Blood disorder
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with blood diseases such as anemia, bone marrow hypoplasia, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), etc. due to the increased risk of worsening the patient’s condition.

Warnings

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

General Warnings

Bonemarrow suppression
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients having conditions like thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia, or bone marrow suppression due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. A complete blood count should be performed before initiating treatment with this medicine. Close monitoring of blood counts is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.

Driving or operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, blurred vision, etc. in some patients. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.

Lung toxicity
This medicine may cause severe lung injuries like pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. Any symptoms of breathing difficulty and signs of lung impairment should be informed to the doctor. The treatment should be discontinued if any symptoms appear.

Skin reactions
The medicine may cause severe skin reactions such as stevens-johnson syndrome, skin necrosis, and skin ulceration. Inform the doctor if any symptoms appear. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Gastrointestinal injury
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. Inform the doctor if you have any gastrointestinal disorders before initiation of the therapy. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Infections
Use of this medicine may weaken the immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections. It is advised that you avoid coming in contact with people suffering from an infection while receiving this medicine. Any signs and symptoms of infection such as a sore throat, fever, chills, etc. should be reported to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. However, it is advised to contact the doctor immediately if you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine.

Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.

Interactions
Interaction with Medicines

Azole antifungal agents moderate

Atorvastatin moderate

Live attenuated vaccines and related products severe

Proton pump inhibitors severe

Disease interactions

severe
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment and alcoholic liver disease due to the increased risk of worsening the patient’s condition. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on the clinical condition.

severe
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient’s condition. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.

General Instructions

This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Other details

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

References

medlineplus.gov –
Methotrexate [Internet].
Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682019.html
[cited 20/7/2020].
2020