IMUTREX 2.5 MG TABLET
Generic : Methotrexate (2.5mg)
Treatment : Cancer ,Rheumatoid Arthritis ,Psoriasis ,Crohn’s Disease
Pack size : 10 (Tablet)
Manufacturer : Cipla Ltd
Made In : INDIA
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking too much of it can cause serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase your risk of liver damage.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have problems related to the stomach, liver, or kidney, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may harm the baby.
BENEFITS OF IMUTREX TABLET
In Treatment of Cancer
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors found in breast, lung, bladder, head and neck as well as cervical, ovarian and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked. It is not a first-line treatment. It works by reducing the body’s immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.
In Treatment of Psoriasis
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Treatment of Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in your abdomen. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.
HOW TO USE IMUTREX TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW IMUTREX TABLET WORKS
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body’s cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis, or damage to bowel in Crohn’s disease.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
INTERACTION WITH DRUGS
- CELECOXIB
- ACETAMINOPHEN
- HYDROCODONE
- DULOXETINE
- ETANERCEPT
- ADALIMUMAB
- ESOMEPRAZOLE
- HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE IMUTREX TABLET?
If you miss a dose of Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Imutrex
- Ulcerative stomatitis
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hair loss
- Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
FAQ's
Q. Can Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.
Q. Why do I have to take folic acid with Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet?
Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.
Q. Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet?
Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.
Q. Can Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet use make me more prone to infections?
Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet use. If you have an active infection, Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet should be used with extreme caution.
Q. Can Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet affect fertility?
Yes, Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.
Q. What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet?
You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is taking Imutrex 2.5mg Tablet. Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pack size – 10
pack form – tablet
MORE INFORMATION
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
