Information About Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

What is Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Working of Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate) Dosage or Administration

Precautions for Taking Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Interaction of Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate) with Other Drugs

Side effects of Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Methotrexate is generic equivalent of Rheumatrex, it is used for Antineoplastic chemotherapy for treatment of gestational choriocarcinoma, chorioadenoma destruens, hydatidiform mole; treatment and prophylaxis of acute meningeal) lymphocytic leukemia; treatment of breast cancer, epidermoid cancers of head and neck, advanced mycosis fungoides and lung cancer; in combination therapy in advanced-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; as adjunct in high doses followed by leucovorin rescue in nonmetastatic osteosarcoma (postsurgically); ymptomatic control of severe psoriasis and severe rheumatoid arthritis. Unlabeled use(s): Reduction of corticosteroid requirements in patients with severe corticosteroid-dependent asthma.

What is Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Generic Rheumatrex belong to calss Antineoplastic/antimetabolite; antipsoriatic; antiarthritic. Generic Rheumatrex Competitively inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase and thereby inhibits DNA synthesis and cellular replication. In rheumatoid arthritis, believed to reduce immune function

Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate) Dosage or Administration

Choriocarcinoma and Thromboblastic Diseases

ADULTS: PO/IM 15–30 mg for 5 days. Repeat courses 3–5 times as required, with rest periods of > 1 wk between courses.

Leukemia

ADULTS & CHILDREN: INDUCTION: 3.3 mg/m2/day in combination with prednisone 60 mg/m2/day usually for 4 to 6 wk. Postremission maintenance therapy (usually in combination with other drugs): PO/IM 2 times weekly in total weekly doses of 30 mg/m2 or IV 2.5 mg/kg q 14 days.

Meningeal Leukemia

ADULTS: Intrathecal 12 mg/m2 or empirical dose of 15 mg. Administer q 2–5 days until cell count of CSF returns to normal; then give one additional dose. Dose reduction may be required in elderly patients because of differences in CSF volume. CHILDREN ³ 3 YR: 12 mg. Administer q 2–5 days until CSF cell count returns to normal. CHILDREN 2 YR: 10 mg. CHILDREN 1 YR: 8 mg. CHILDREN < 1 YR: 6 mg.

Lymphoma: Burkitt's Lymphoma, Stages 1 & 2

ADULTS: PO 10–25 mg/day for 4–8 days. Provide 7-to 10-day rest period between courses.

Stage 3 Lymphosarcoma as Part of Combination Therapy

ADULTS: PO 0.625–2.5 mg/kg/day.

Mycosis Fungoides

ADULTS: PO 2.5–10 mg/day for weeks to months (based on clinical response or hematologic function). IM 25 mg twice weekly or 50 mg weekly.

Osteosarcoma

Complex high dose with leucovorin rescue and other chemotherapeutic agents. Starting dose for high-dose methotrexate is 12 gm/m2.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

ADULTS: INITIAL THERAPY: PO 7.5 mg/week in single dose or 2.5 mg q 12 hr for 3 doses each wk. Gradually adjust dosage to maximal response; do not exceed 20 mg/wk.

Psoriasis

Individualize dosage. Administer 5–10 mg parenteral test dose 1 wk prior to therapy. ADULTS: IM/IV 10–25 mg/wk (maximum 50 mg/wk). ADULTS: PO 2.5 mg q 12 hr for 3 doses or at 8 hr intervals for 4 doses q wk (maximum 30 mg/wk). ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULE: PO 2.5 mg qd for 5 days followed by 2-day rest period (maximum 6.25 mg qd). This schedule may pose increased risk of liver toxicity.

Precautions for Taking Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Pregnancy: Category X (for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis); Category D (other uses). Lactation: Contraindicated in nursing mothers. Children: Safety and efficacy not established other than for cancer treatment. Elderly patients: Closely monitor for early signs of toxicity. May require dose reduction. Infection: Severe reactions may occur if live vaccines are administered. Intrathecal therapy: Large doses may cause convulsions and systemic toxicity. Dosage regimens based on age may be more effective and associated with fewer neurotoxic side effects. Do not use formulations or diluents containing preservatives. Renal impairment: Use drug with extreme caution.

Interaction of Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate) with Other Drugs

Charcoal, folic acid: May reduce methotrexate efficacy. Digoxin: May reduce serum digoxin levels and actions. Hydantoins: May reduce plasma levels. Etretinate, NSAIDs, penicillins, probenecid, salicylates, sulfonamides: May increase methotrexate blood levels and toxicity.

Side effects of Generic Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

CNS: Dizziness; fatigue; headache; aphasia; hemiparesis; paresis; convulsions; eukoencephalopathy (IV after craniospinal irradiation); chemical arachnoiditis; ransient paresis; neurotoxicity. DERM: Erythematous rashes; pruritus; urticaria; photosensitivity; igmentary changes; alopecia; ecchymosis; telangiectasia; acne; furunculosis; ggravation of psoriasis by ultraviolet light. EENT: Blurred vision; ulcerative stomatitis; gingivitis; pharyngitis. GI: Nausea; abdominal distress (common); anorexia; vomiting; diarrhea; hematemesis; elena; GI ulceration and bleeding; enteritis. GU: Renal failure; azotemia; cystitis; hematuria; severe nephropathy; reproductive disorders; infertility; abortion; fetal defects.