METHOTREX 2.5 (2.5mg Methotrexate)

Product Information

Methotrex is a cytotoxic medicine used to treat various cancers and severe autoimmune conditions. It works by interfering with DNA synthesis, repair, and cell division. Methotrex is effective against rapidly dividing cells, which makes it useful for both cancer treatment and immune-related disorders.

It is available in tablet form (2.5mg). The dosing schedule varies depending on the condition being treated — it may be given once weekly, daily, or in cycles, strictly as directed by a doctor.

Methotrex should always be taken under close medical supervision due to its risks of serious side effects, including liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and birth defects.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

Methotrex is prescribed for:

• Chemotherapy in certain cancers
• Severe psoriasis not responsive to other treatments
• Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions requiring immunosuppression

Uses

Cancer treatment (chemotherapy):

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Gestational trophoblastic tumors (choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole)
• Leukemias (lymphocytic, lymphoblastic, acute lymphoblastic leukemia remission maintenance)
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

Autoimmune disorders:

• Severe, treatment-resistant psoriasis

Benefits

In Cancer:

• Inhibits tumor growth by blocking DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cells
• Helps induce remission in blood cancers such as leukemia
• Used to shrink solid tumors and manage aggressive malignancies

In Psoriasis:

• Reduces abnormal skin cell proliferation
• Decreases scaling, redness, and plaque formation
• Relieves inflammation caused by immune system overactivity

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water.
• Take only as prescribed by your doctor.
• The dose may be once weekly, daily, or in cycles, depending on your condition.
• Do not alter or stop treatment without medical advice.
• Your doctor may adjust your dose based on response and side effects.
• Regular monitoring (blood counts, liver and kidney tests) is essential during treatment.

Other Uses

Methotrex is sometimes used off-label for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, under specialist supervision.

⚠️ Pregnancy & Birth Defect Risk Warning

This medicine may cause serious harm to an unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss.

• Do not take Methotrex if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Use effective contraception during treatment and for the duration advised by your doctor after stopping.
• If you become pregnant while taking Methotrex, stop it immediately and contact your doctor.
• Do not use while breastfeeding.

⚠️ Liver Toxicity Warning

This medicine may cause liver damage. Your doctor may monitor liver function with regular blood tests.

• Stop taking Methotrex and seek medical help if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine to reduce liver risk.

⚠️ Immune System Suppression Warning

This medicine weakens your immune system and increases the risk of infections.

• Avoid close contact with people who have infections.
• Report fevers, chills, persistent cough, or unusual symptoms promptly.
• Live vaccines should not be taken during treatment unless approved by your doctor.

Special Precautions

Do not take Methotrex if you:

• Are allergic to methotrexate or its ingredients
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have severe kidney or liver disease
• Have peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have active infections
• Have lung disease or significant blood disorders

Inform your doctor if you are taking:

• Antibiotics (penicillins, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol)
• NSAIDs (diclofenac, indomethacin, aspirin)
• Sulfasalazine
• Azathioprine or other immunosuppressants
• Retinoids (acitretin, methoxsalen)
• Mercaptopurine
• Phenytoin
• Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
• Folic acid supplements (which may alter methotrexate activity)

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are mainly due to methotrexate’s effect on rapidly dividing tissues. Some may be reversible after stopping treatment.

Common side effects:

• Mouth ulcers (stomatitis)
• Nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion
• Fatigue, malaise
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness
• Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms
• Skin and nail changes
• Menstrual irregularities

Serious side effects (seek medical help immediately):

• Low blood counts (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Increased risk of infections
• Liver toxicity (jaundice, dark urine)
• Lung toxicity (persistent cough, shortness of breath)
• Severe allergic reactions

Storage & Disposal

• Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use expired tablets.
• Dispose of unused medicine as instructed by your pharmacist or local guidelines.

Emergency Guidance

• Seek immediate help for signs of severe infection (fever, chills, sore throat), bleeding, jaundice, or breathing difficulty.
• Overdose may cause severe bone marrow suppression and organ toxicity — go to the nearest emergency department with the medication packaging.
• Do not attempt to self-treat side effects or overdose.