Safely Buy Rheumatrex ( Methotrexate ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Rheumatrex is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient methotrexate and is used to treat certain types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

Rheumatrex is used in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate, the active ingredient in Rheumatrex, is classified as an antimetabolite. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. In rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, it helps to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking methotrexate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Methotrexate is a strong medication. The dosage and how often you take this medication are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. There are many different dosing schedules for this medication (especially for cancer treatment). Taking this medication the wrong way may cause serious side effects, including death. You must follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.

For the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. It may take up to several months before you get the full benefit of this drug.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Doing so helps your kidneys to remove the drug from your body and avoid some of the side effects.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to methotrexate: (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Serious or fatal side effects include:

• Sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, cough with mucus, chest pain, or feeling short of breath
• Fever, chills, swollen lymph glands, night sweats, or weight loss
• Blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, or trouble swallowing
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in your urine or stools
• Skin changes such as redness, warmth, swelling, or oozing
• Low blood cell counts – fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, or feeling light-headed or short of breath
• Kidney problems – little or no urination or swelling in your feet or ankles
• Liver problems – swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Nerve problems – confusion, weakness, drowsiness, coordination problems, feeling irritable, headache, neck stiffness, vision problems, loss of movement in any part of your body, or seizure
• Signs of tumor cell breakdown – tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, or tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth

Common methotrexate side effects may include:

• Fever, chills, tiredness, or not feeling well
• Low blood cell counts
• Mouth sores
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Hair loss
• Burning skin lesions
• Being more sensitive to light

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before taking methotrexate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease (such as pulmonary fibrosis), alcohol use, suppressed immune system, blood cell/bone marrow disorders, stomach/intestinal diseases (such as peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis), any active infection (including chickenpox or recent exposure to it), folic acid deficiency.
• Tell your healthcare professional that you are using methotrexate before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
• To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• This medication can affect fertility in both males and females. Ask your doctor for more details.
• Methotrexate must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should do a pregnancy test before you start this medication. You should not become pregnant while using methotrexate. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner become pregnant or think you are pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
• Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
• Methotrexate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for at least 1 week after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Rheumatrex is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Methotrexate Tablet:
  • 2.5 mg

FAQ

How Does Rheumatrex Work?

Methotrexate, which is a Rheumatrex generic name, is a type of enzyme inhibitor. Methotrexate prevents specific enzymes from providing nucleotide synthesis and cell division, which in turn stops inflammation and abnormal cell growth.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of methotrexate.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of methotrexate can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include bruising or unusual bleeding, mouth sores, vomiting, little or no urination, bloody or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What to avoid?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using methotrexate or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, and yellow fever, and varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Methotrexate could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10673/rheumatrex-oral/details
2. https://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html#side-effects
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2016/008085Orig1s066ltr.pdf