Folitrax 25 Mg (4 Tab)

FOLITRAX 25 MG (4 TAB) by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD

FOLITRAX 25 MG is a medication manufactured by Ipca Laboratories Ltd., primarily used as an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant.

• Name:
  • Brand Name: Folitrax 25 mg
  • Common Name: Methotrexate
• Composition:
  • Active Ingredient: Methotrexate 25 mg
• Uses: FOLITRAX 25 MG is prescribed for various conditions due to its ability to suppress the immune system and inhibit cell growth.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, especially when other treatments haven't been effective. It reduces pain, inflammation, and delays joint damage.
  • Psoriasis: Effective in treating severe psoriasis and severe psoriatic arthritis, particularly when unresponsive to conventional therapies. It works by suppressing the overactive immune system responsible for rapid skin cell growth.
  • Cancer: Used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat various cancers, including:
    • Breast cancer
    • Lung cancer
    • Head and neck cancer
    • Mycosis fungoides (a type of blood cancer)
    • Advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphomas
    • Acute leukemias
    • Osteosarcoma
    • Cervical, ovarian, and testicular cancer
  • Crohn's Disease: Helps reduce inflammation and symptoms in this chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • FOLITRAX 25 MG should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.
  • It is often prescribed for once-weekly dosing for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
  • Higher, more frequent doses may be used for cancer treatment.
  • The tablet can be taken with or without food, but it's recommended to take it at a fixed time.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet; swallow it whole with water.
  • Self-medication is strongly discouraged.
• Side Effects:
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis), hair loss, skin rash, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and low blood cell counts. Folic acid may be prescribed to help reduce some of these side effects.
  • Serious Side Effects: Can include severe liver, kidney, or lung injury, increased susceptibility to infections, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Precautions:
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of congenital disabilities and miscarriage. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it can pass into breast milk. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping the medicine.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of liver damage and other side effects.
  • Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with existing liver or kidney problems; regular monitoring of liver and kidney function tests is required.
  • Blood Disorders: Not recommended for individuals with immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or serious anemia.
  • Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), certain antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin), epilepsy medicines (phenytoin), and live vaccines, as interactions can lead to severe adverse effects.
  • Driving: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines while taking this medicine.
  • Monitoring: Regular blood tests, liver function tests, and kidney function tests are necessary during treatment.
• Storage:
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.
  • Store at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

FOLITRAX 25 MG (4 TAB) by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD contains Methotrexate, a potent medication used to treat various conditions. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is Folitrax 25 MG used for?

Folitrax 25 MG (Methotrexate) is used to treat a range of conditions, including various types of cancer (such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and solid tumors of the breast, lung, bladder, head, and neck, as well as cervical, ovarian, and testicular cancer), severe rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease. It is also used to manage mycosis fungoides, a type of blood cancer affecting the skin.

How does Folitrax 25 MG work?

Folitrax 25 MG works as an antimetabolite and a folic acid antagonist. It interferes with cellular metabolism by inhibiting an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of folic acid, which is essential for cell growth and division. By disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis, it slows down the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells. In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, it functions as an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation, pain, and suppressing the overactive immune system or rapid skin cell production.

What is the usual dosage of Folitrax 25 MG?

The dosage of Folitrax 25 MG varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's weight, and medical history. For rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, it is typically taken once weekly, with doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 25 mg. For cancer treatment, higher, divided doses may be given more frequently. It is crucial to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not to self-adjust the dose.

What are the possible side effects of Folitrax 25 MG?

Common side effects of Folitrax 25 MG can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis), hair loss, headache, dizziness, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and low blood cell count. More serious side effects can involve liver, kidney, or lung injury, and an increased risk of infections due to a weakened immune system. Your doctor may advise taking folic acid to help reduce some of these side effects.

Is Folitrax 25 MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Folitrax 25 MG is highly unsafe and not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause serious birth defects, congenital disabilities, and may lead to miscarriage. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least six months after stopping the medicine. It is also generally not recommended during breastfeeding, as methotrexate can pass into breast milk. If your weekly dose is 25mg or less, breastfeeding might be possible, but you must not breastfeed for 24 hours after taking your dose, and a doctor's advice is essential.

Can Folitrax 25 MG be taken with other medications?

Folitrax 25 MG can interact with several other medications. Notable interactions include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, penicillins, sulfonamides), antiepileptics, and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine, which can increase the risk of side effects or toxicity. Folic acid supplements, while sometimes advised to reduce side effects, can also interact. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with Folitrax. Always inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on Folitrax 25 MG?

Several precautions are important when taking Folitrax 25 MG. You should avoid consuming alcohol, as it can significantly increase the risk of liver damage. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function through tests is often required. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing liver or kidney problems, blood disorders, stomach or bowel ulcers, diabetes, or any infections. Avoid coming into contact with people who have infections due to potential immune system weakening.

What happens if a dose of Folitrax 25 MG is missed?

If you miss a dose of Folitrax 25 MG, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it is still within your weekly schedule. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to severe side effects. It is advisable to contact your doctor for guidance if a dose is missed.

How should Folitrax 25 MG be stored?

Folitrax 25 MG tablets should be stored below 25°C or 30°C, protected from light, and kept in their original packaging. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children, as accidental ingestion can be extremely harmful. Any expired or unused medication should be disposed of properly as advised by a pharmacist.