Cytotrexate Tablet 2.5mg Tablets

Methotrexate slows down the body's immune system and the growth of certain cells. It is used to treat:

• rheumatoid arthritis, and a type of arthritis in children (juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
• severe psoriasis
• some types of cancer, such as certain leukaemias and lymphomas, usually with other medicines

Doctors sometimes use it for other conditions, such as Crohn's disease. For arthritis, it may take 3 to 6 weeks to start helping, and longer for the full effect.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. For arthritis and psoriasis it is usually taken once a week, not every day. Taking it daily by mistake has caused serious harm and deaths, so check the day and schedule with your doctor and pharmacist.

• Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid to reduce side effects.
• For the liquid, use the oral syringe supplied, not a kitchen spoon.
• If you miss a dose, call your doctor for advice. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• feeling dizzy, drowsy or having headaches
• sore or swollen gums, mouth ulcers
• red eyes, hair loss

Call your doctor straight away if you have:

• fever, sore throat, chills or other signs of infection
• unusual bruising or bleeding, or black stools
• a dry cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper tummy
• a rash, blistering or peeling skin
• severe diarrhoea, vomiting or mouth sores
• passing much less urine, seizures, confusion or sudden vision changes

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have kidney, liver or lung disease, or stomach ulcers or ulcerative colitis
• drink a lot of alcohol, now or in the past
• have an infection such as hepatitis B or tuberculosis, or a weak immune system
• take other medicines, including over-the-counter painkillers, antibiotics, acid-reducing medicines (such as omeprazole), vitamins or herbal remedies
• plan to have any vaccine
• are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

Keep in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children and pets. Opened liquid should be thrown away after 90 days.

Pregnancy: methotrexate can cause birth defects or loss of the baby. Women should use reliable contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose; men should use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after.

Blood tests: you will need regular blood tests to check your blood count, liver and kidneys. Keep all appointments.

Alcohol and sun: limit alcohol, as it raises the risk of liver damage. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds.