INTRODUCTION ABOUT IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET contains Methotrexate, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antimetabolites. IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is used to manage active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, which is a form of severe arthritis occurring due to unknown reasons (idiopathic) and old age and is non-responsive to conventional painkillers (such as Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs Ex. Aceclofenac).

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is also used to manage its polyarthritic forms (characterized by the involvement of five or more joints), which are severe, active, and idiopathic in nature and affect young people (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, JIA).

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is also used to manage psoriasis and relapsed (reoccurred) and refractory (unaffected by other conventional managements) Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system.

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by itchy scales that is not responsive to conventional managements such as phototherapy and retinoids.

Before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG 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.

Also, IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended to be taken by pregnant and nursing women, women planning pregnancy, those who drink huge amounts of alcohol, or patients suffering from liver and kidney impairment.

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET can be used with caution in children to manage polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which is characterized by the involvement of five or more joints that are of severe, active, juvenile, and idiopathic character. Consult the doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

In addition, caution must be exercised by patients suffering from lung disorders, blood disorders, and gastric disorders before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

Care must be taken to avoid taking products containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and cold drinks, while taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

The common side effects seen after taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and altered levels of blood cells. Consult a doctor if any of the above side effects worsen after taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

USES OF IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET

It is used to manage:

active rheumatoid arthritis
psoriasis
arthritis in patients suffering from psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis)
relapsed and refractory (unaffected by other conventional managements) Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

HOW IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET WORKS

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET contains methotrexate that works by interfering with the growth of those cells in the body that reproduce quickly. As a result, the 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-defense mechanism, thereby working as an effective immunosuppressant. Additionally, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing pain, swelling, and redness. As a result, it manages the symptoms associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET

COMMON

sore throat due to inflammation
soreness in the mouth and lips
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
increase in the level of liver enzymes
infections
diarrhea
feeling tired and exhausted
headache
dizziness
development of a rash and reddening of the skin
loss of hair
formation of ulcers in the mouth

UNCOMMON

fever and general deterioration of the body, along with an increased level of local infections
decrease in the number of red blood cells (anaemia)
decrease in the number of platelets (reduced blood clotting)
altered blood count
swelling of the lymph nodes
development of inflammation and ulcers of the vagina
decreased serum albumin (type of protein) level
increased pigmentation of the skin
viral infections of the skin, such as herpes
joint or muscle pain
inflammation and ulcers of the bladder
fatty liver
chills
fits
sensitivity to light
brown skin
loss of hair
increase in rheumatic nodules
pain in the lesions associated with psoriasis

RARE

cramps, swelling in the legs, redness, breathlessness, and chest pain
feeling depressed
feeling weak on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
diabetes
decreased blood pressure
inflammation of the gums
acne
whitening of the skin
painful skin rash, such as shingles
severe disturbances of vision
mood fluctuations
inflammatory conditions of the heart
thromboembolic complications
pericardial tamponade (filling of fluid such as blood around the heart)

Stop taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

formation of scar tissue in the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis), development of pneumonia indicated by shortness of breath along with thick mucus
severe allergic reactions characterized by tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, throat, and hands, along with difficulty breathing
severe toxic reactions of the skin resulting in the formation of vesicles, as seen in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell’s syndrome)
decreased white blood cells, characterized by fever and general deterioration of the body, along with an increased level of local infections
painful urination
kidney damage
inflammation and/or damage to the liver is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes along with fever, itchy skin, and a swollen or tender stomach
ulcer and/or bleeding in the stomach, characterized by black tar-like stools, vomiting blood, and stomach pain
formation of blood clots characterized by cramps, swelling in the legs, redness, breathlessness, and chest pain
decreased formation of urine
fever, chills, shivering along with a rapid heartbeat, breathing
presence of blood in the urine
fits (convulsions)
spitting or coughing blood
disorders of the brain, such as encephalopathy
easy tendency to bleed and bruise, persistent bleeding
loss of coordination
loss of the ability to speak and/or understand speech
weakness and inability to move one side of the body or the whole body
miscarriage and/or damage to the fetus (in women)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea

Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Drink an oral rehydration solution to compensate for the loss of water and minerals. stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time or worsens with time.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Take an adequate amount of rest and sleep. Stay hydrated and replenish yourself with electrolytes. Also, do not indulge in driving or using heavy machinery, as it may prove to be dangerous.

Headache

Stay hydrated and take as much rest as possible. Stay away from bright lights and loud sounds. Apply a pain-relieving balm to the forehead. If the headache persists or worsens, consult your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting

Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time or worsens with time.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended for use 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 IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

BREASTFEEDING

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended if you are a nursing mother. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended if you feel tired or dizzy after taking the medicine. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

ALCOHOL

Consult your doctor

It is recommended to avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

KIDNEY

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended if you have or have had a kidney disorder and/or are receiving any dialysis> management. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

LIVER

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended if you have a liver disorder. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

ALLERGY

Contraindicated

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended if you are allergic to methotrexate and/or any other constituent of IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

LUNGS

Use with Caution

IMUTREX 7.5MG 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 IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

Consult your doctor

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET can be used with caution in children to manage polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight, and health condition. Consult your doctor for advice before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

USE IN GERIATRICS

Use with Caution

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is recommended to be administered with caution and in a lower dosage to elders due to diminished function of the liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in the blood in old age. Also, it is recommended to closely monitor the elderly, taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET for the identification of possible side effects. Consult the doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

OTHERS

IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:

have bone marrow disorders
have blood disorders
have an impaired immune system
have a severe and/or existing infection (Ex. tuberculosis, HIV)
have ulcers in the gastro-intestinal tract
have inflammation and ulcers of the mouth
are receiving vaccinations containing live vaccines

Before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:

have diabetes
are overweight
suffer from diarrhea
ulcers in the colon (ulcerative colitis)
are receiving radiotherapy for various conditions, such as X-rays and UV-rays
have folate deficiency
have lactose and/or galactose intolerance
have mental illness

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin)
medicines used to increase urine excretion (Ex. frusemide)
medicines used to manage increased sugar levels (Ex. metformin)
medicines used to manage fits (Ex. phenytoin)
medicines used to manage increased cholesterol levels (Ex. cholestyramine)
medicines used to manage gout (Ex. probenecid)
medicines to manage reduced folic acid levels (Ex. folic acid preparations)
medicines used to manage severe heartburn or ulcers (Ex. omeprazole)
other medicines used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (Ex. leflunomide)
medicines that can be harmful to the liver (Ex. sulfasalazine)
medicines used in the management of cancer (Ex. doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mercaptopurine)
medicines used to manage pain (Ex. ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac)
other medicines used to manage rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (Ex. leflunomide, phenylbutazone, or amidopyrine)
medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. theophylline)
medicines used in organ transplantation (Ex. cyclosporin, azathioprine)
medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. phenobarbitone)
medicines used to induce calmness and relieve anxiety (Ex. diazepam)
medicines used for oral contraception (Ex. estrogen)
medicines used to manage skin conditions (Ex. retinoids)
medicines used to manage malaria (Ex. pyrimethamine)
medicines that contain live vaccines (Ex. MMR vaccine)
medicines used for general anesthesia and pain relief (Ex. nitrous oxide)
medicines used to manage heart problems (Ex. amiodarone)
medicines used to manage heart failure (Ex. digoxin)
medicines used for the management of various inflammatory conditions like skin diseases and allergic reactions (Ex. hydrocortisone)

B. Drug-Food interactions:

It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and soft drinks, along with IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, to manage dehydration.

Overdosage:

If you or someone else accidentally takes too much IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdosage with IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET are an easy tendency to bruise or bleed, nausea, vomiting, and unusual weakness, along with the 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 IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET out of the reach and sight of children
Store IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET at a temperature below 25°C

FAQs ABOUT IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET

Q: What is IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET used for?

A: IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is used to manage active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, which is a form of severe arthritis occurring due to unknown reasons (idiopathic) and old age and is non-responsive to conventional painkillers (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Ex. Aceclofenac). IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is also used to manage the polyarthritic forms (characterized by the involvement of five or more joints), which are severe, active, and idiopathic in nature and affect young people (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, JIA).

Q: Can I take IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET in pregnancy?

A: IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women and/or in women who are planning pregnancy because it can be harmful for the fetus (a growing baby in the womb). Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

Q: Can I take IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET if I’m breastfeeding a baby?

A: IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended for nursing mothers due to a lack of safety data. Consult your doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

Q: Can IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET be taken by children?

A: IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET can be used with caution in children to manage polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight, and health condition. Consult your doctor for advice before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

Q: Can IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET be used by the elderly?

A: IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET is recommended to be administered with caution and in a lower dosage to elders due to diminished function of the liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in the blood in old age. Also, it is recommended to closely monitor the elderly, taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET for the identification of possible side effects. Consult the doctor before taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET.

Q: Is there any specific food to avoid while taking IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET?

A: It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and soft drinks, along with IMUTREX 7.5MG TABLET, to manage dehydration.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Antirheumatoid and Antigout Drugs, Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 210, 857.

2. Brown, P.M., Pratt, A.G. and Isaacs, J.D., 2016. Mechanism of action of Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis and the search for biomarkers. Nature Reviews Rheumatology. [Published on 27th October 2016] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] https://www.nature.com/articles/nrrheum.2016.175

3. Orion Corporation. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) U.K [Revised in August 2023] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1376.pdf

4. Cipla. Methotrexate. [Revised on 13th April 2020] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] https://www.cipla.com/sites/default/files/Methotrexate%202.5%20mg%20%E2%80%93%20Patient%20Card%20-%20Risk%20Minimisation%20Information%20for%20Patients.pdf

5. Accord Healthcare Inc. U.S.A. [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] 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 3rd February 2024] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=e942f8db-510f-44d6-acb5-b822196f5e8c&type=display#section-9

7. Pfizer Healthcare Ireland. [Revised in September 2020] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_PA0822-206-005_23092020105544.pdf

8. Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd. [Revised in August 2021] [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/152212ff-3721-4bba-b3cc-a53300ff0e7d.pdf

9. Imutaj. Taj Pharma. [Accessed on 3rd February 2024] https://tajpharma.in/portfolio-item/methotrexate-tablets-ip-5mg-imutaj-taj-pharma/

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Complete Blood Count (CBC)/ Hemogram
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Kidney Function Test (KFT)

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Last updated on 05 Feb 2024 | 04:23 PM(IST)

Imutrex 7.5mg Tablet 10'S

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