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Introduction About FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET contains Methotrexate which belongs to the group of medicines called Antimetabolites. It is used to manage rheumatoid arthritis and ALL (acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia) in adults. In addition, it is also used to manage bone cancer and lung cancer. FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is also used to manage polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that results in the inflammation of bones due to the body’s own immune system. Acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer that develops from white blood cells in the bone marrow and may suddenly spread to invade other body parts such as the spleen, brain, and lymph nodes. Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by the involvement of five or more joints that are 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 pregnant and nursing women, women planning pregnancy, those who drink huge amounts of alcohol, or patients suffering from liver and kidney impairment.
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight, and disease condition. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Caution must be exercised by 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 effects worsen after taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Uses Of FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
It is used to manage:
- 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, 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.
How to use FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
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 on your age, body weight, and disease condition.
Side Effects Of FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET
Common
- nausea
- diarrhea
- pain in the abdomen
- development of inflammation and ulcerations in the mouth
- decrease in the count of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
- elevated level of liver enzymes
- development of a 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 lumps, along with pain in the back, weight loss, and the development of night sweats
- bleeding from the nose
- formation of blisters and peeling of the topmost layer of the skin
- ulcers in the 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 the 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 the abdomen, diarrhea, 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 the throat, mouth ulcers, fever, chills
- inflammation of the lung with breathlessness characterized by persistent cough, pain or difficulty breathing, and 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 the 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, a 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 the nose, gums, urine, and vomit
- fever
- easy tendency to bleed, bruise, and persistent bleeding
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 does not improve.
Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Take adequate amounts 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 rest as much possible. Stay away from harsh 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
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 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
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you are a nursing mother. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Driving and Using Machines
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 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
Consult your doctorIt 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
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you have a kidney disorder and/or are receiving any dialysis> management. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Liver
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended if you have a liver disorder. Consult your doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Allergy
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 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
ContraindicatedFOLITRAX 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.
Use In Pediatrics
Consult your doctorFOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, FOLITRAX 20MG 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 disease condition. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionFOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is recommended to be administered with caution and in a lower dosage to elderly patients due to diminished function of the liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in the blood. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Others
FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have blood disorders
- have an impaired immune system
- have or had an 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 managements) that involves general anaesthesia
- have ulcers in the colon (ulcerative colitis)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to manage pain and fever (Ex. naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
- medicines used to increase urine excretion (Ex. frusemide)
- medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin)
- medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin)
- medicines used for general anesthesia and pain relief (Ex. nitrous oxide)
- medicines that contain live vaccines (Ex. MMR vaccine)
- medicines used to manage increased sugar level (Ex. metformin)
- medicines used to manage schizophrenia (Ex. olanzapine)
- medicines used to manage malaria (Ex. pyrimethamine)
- 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)
- medicines used in the management of cancer (Ex. doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mercaptopurine)
- medicines used to manage skin conditions (Ex. retinoids)
- medicines used to manage gout (Ex. probenecid)
- 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 manage reduced folic acid levels (Ex. folic acid preparations)
- medicines used to manage skin disorders (Ex. p-aminobenzoic acid)
- medicines used to manage stomach ulcers and heartburn (Ex. omeprazole)
- medicines that can be harmful to the liver (Ex. alcohol, sulfasalazine)
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 FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET, to manage dehydration.
Overdosage:
If you or someone 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 an easy tendency to bruise or bleed, nausea, vomiting, and feeling 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 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
Q: What is FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET used for?
A: It is used to manage rheumatoid arthritis and ALL (acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia) in adults. In addition, it is also used to manage bone cancer and lung cancer. FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is also used to manage polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children.
Q: Can I take FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET in pregnancy?
A: 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 it.
Q: Can I take FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET if I am breastfeeding a baby?
A: FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for nursing mothers due to a lack of safety data. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Can FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET be taken by children?
A: FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended in children for the management of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, FOLITRAX 20MG 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 FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Q: Can FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET be used by the elderly?
A: FOLITRAX 20MG 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 FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET for the identification of possible side effects. Consult the doctor before taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET.
Q: Is there any specific food to avoid while taking FOLITRAX 20MG TABLET?
A: It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and soft drinks, along with FOLITRAX 20MG 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 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. 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
5. 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
6. 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)
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