Imutrex 2.5 mg (Methotrexate)

Description

Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (when the immune system attacks the joints on both sides of the body, causing pain and swelling), psoriasis (a skin condition causing rash, and itchy/scaly patches on the skin), and some types of cancers such as choriocarcinoma (uterus cancer), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (a type of blood cancer), lymphoma (cancer that starts in the cells that are part of the body’s immune system), etc.

This medicine works by suppressing the activity of the immune system and helps reduce pain and swelling. It also slows the growth of cancer cells. it  shows common side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, fever, chills, hair loss, headache, decreased appetite, and low blood cell counts. If these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor for further assistance. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines while taking this medication as it can cause dizziness or drowsiness.

 Tablet can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. Swallow as a whole with a glass of water. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor about the dose and duration of treatment. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of undesired effects. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Imutrex 2.5 mg  Tablet is not recommended if you are allergic to it. It is not recommended if you have liver conditions, immunodeficiency syndromes (weak immune system), drinking habits, or a bone marrow condition (low platelets and white/red blood cells). It should be used with caution if you have stomatitis (swelling and sores inside the mouth), kidney conditions, ulcers, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor complete blood cell count, liver function, and kidney function while you are taking this medicine.

 Tablet is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it has been reported to cause harm to the developing foetus. Use effective contraceptives to avoid getting pregnant while you are taking this medicine. Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet can pass into breast milk. Hence it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

Uses of Imutrex 2.5 mg

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.  may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Itshould be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Tablet/capsule: Take it one hour after food in the evening or as advised by the doctor. Swallow the tablet/capsule as a whole with a glass of water whilst standing or sitting upright; do not break or chew it. Oral solution: Take the prescribed quantity by mouth using the dosing syringe.

• Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
• Treatment of Psoriasis

Benefits of Imutrex 2.5 mg

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Imutrex 2.5 mg belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked. It is not a first-line treatment. It works by reducing the body’s immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.

How Imutrex 2.5 mg  work

It is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.

Dosage

Missed Dose

Do not miss the dose of Imutrex 2.5 mg. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Do not take more than the recommended dose of Imutrex 2.5 mg Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Imutrex 2.5 mg

• Diarrhoea
• Joint pain
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Dizziness
• Fever or chills
• Bleeding gums
• Blurred vision
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite

Warnings

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Imutrex 2.5 mg is unsafe for use during pregnancy as it can harm the developing foetus. Hence consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding

Imutrex 2.5 mg may pass into the breast milk and cause serious side effects in your baby. Hence consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

FAQs

1.Can Imutrex 2.5 mg cause mouth ulcers?

Yes, Imutrex 2.5 mg  can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.

2.Why do I have to take folic acid with Imutrex 2.5 mg ?

Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Imutrex 2.5 mg  decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Imutrex 2.5 mg  Tablet such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.

3.Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Imutrex 2.5 mg  Tablet?

Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.

4.Can Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet use make me more prone to infections?

Imutrex 2.5 mg  may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet use. If you have an active infection, Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet should be used with extreme caution.

5.Can Imutrex 2.5 mg affect fertility?

Yes, Imutrex 2.5 mg  Tablet may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.

6.What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Imutrex 2.5 mg Tablet?

You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is takingImutrex 2.5 mg . Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.