The medicine "Methotrexate" is an antitumor agent. The medication is part of the group of antimetabolites - folic acid antagonists. The drug "Methotrexate" is active against rapidly growing cells. In addition, the medication is able to have some immunosuppressive effect.
"Methotrexate". Instructions for use. Indications.
The medication is prescribed for acute lymphocytic leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma, soft-cell and osteogenic, retinoblastoma, germ cell tumors of the ovaries and testes, trophoblastic disease, medulloblastoma. "Methotrexate" instructions for use recommends also for cancer of the vulva and cervix, skin, esophagus, ureters and renal pelvis, breast, lung, kidney, liver, penis, squamous neck and head, as well as lymphogranulomatosis. The medication is indicated for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis of severe forms of the course in the absence of a therapeutic result from the appropriate therapy used.
"Methotrexate". Instructions for use.
The medication is intended for intravenous, oral, intralumbal and intramuscular use. The dosage regimen is set individually for the patient. At the same time, the doctor takes into account the peculiarities of the pathology, the condition of the hematopoietic system, the antitumor treatment regimen.
The use of the drug can provoke anorexia, stomatitis (ulcerative), gingivitis, nausea, pharyngitis. In rare cases, enteritis, diarrhea, pancreatitis, melena are observed. A long daily intake may in some cases cause cirrhosis, necrosis in the liver, fatty atrophy, periportal liver fibrosis.
Adverse reactions when using the Methotrexate medication include anemia, leukopenia, dizziness, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, aphasia, cramps, headache, drowsiness.
In some cases, a menstrual cycle disorder, impaired spermatogenesis, oligospermia, impotence, decreased libido may occur.
Some patients have cystitis, hematuria, severe renal impairment, decreased resistance to infection, chills, urticaria, toxic epidermal necrolysis, photosensitivity, rash, furunculosis, acne, telangiectasia.
"Methotrexate" is contraindicated in case of leukopenia, pregnancy, disorders of the liver and kidneys of a pronounced nature. Not recommended for immunodeficiency conditions. If necessary, take medication during lactation, feeding must be stopped. As a result of some studies, teratogenic and embryotoxic effects were established.
Women of reproductive age should use reliable contraceptives when using Methotrexate.
A medication for peptic ulcer in the duodenum and stomach, pleural effusion, ascites, nephropathy, gout, colitis (peptic ulcer) is not recommended.
Patients with chickenpox currently or recently suffered, herpes (herpes zoster) and other acute infectious diseases "Methotrexate" is not prescribed.
Before treatment against the background of the applied therapy, it is necessary to monitor the blood picture (peripheral), the activity of the kidneys and liver.
When using Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, it is required to conduct a general blood test (detailed) at least once a month, laboratory tests of the functioning of the liver, kidneys - at least once a month or two months.
Before prescribing, the patient should be familiar with all the alleged side effects. "Methotrexate" is a fairly serious medication. In order to avoid unwanted complications, the use of the medication should be monitored by a doctor.