Folitrax 5 Tab

FOLITRAX 5 TAB

FOLITRAX 5 TAB, manufactured by IPCA LABORATORIES LTD, is a medication primarily used as an antimetabolite and immunosuppressant.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Methotrexate (5mg)

Uses

FOLITRAX 5 TAB is prescribed for a range of conditions, working by interfering with cell growth and suppressing immune system activity.

• Cancer: It is used to treat various types of cancers, including breast, lung, bladder, head and neck, cervical, ovarian, testicular cancer, acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and mycosis fungoides (a type of blood cancer).
• Autoimmune Conditions:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Manages active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, by reducing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and improving joint function.
  • Psoriasis: Treats severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by controlling abnormal skin cell growth, reducing scaling, redness, and itching.
  • Crohn's Disease: Helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in Crohn's disease.

Dosage and Administration

• Take FOLITRAX 5 TAB exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• The tablet should be swallowed whole with or without food, preferably at the same time every day. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet.
• Dosage may vary based on the condition and individual response to the medicine. It is often advised to be taken once a week.
• If a dose is missed, do not double the next dose; consult your doctor for instructions.

Side Effects

Common side effects can include:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or discomfort
• Mouth sores or ulcers (ulcerative stomatitis)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Headache or dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Mild hair thinning or hair loss
• Increased liver enzymes
• Decreased blood cell counts (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Fever, chills

Serious side effects may involve severe fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, and liver or kidney damage. Folic acid may be prescribed to reduce some side effects.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least 6 months after.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver, kidney, blood, lung, or gastric disorders, or immunodeficiency syndromes. Regular blood tests, kidney, and liver function tests are often advised.
• Allergies: Do not use if allergic to methotrexate or any other components of the tablet.
• Driving and Machinery: May cause dizziness or fatigue, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid interactions.
• Vaccines: Avoid live vaccines while on this treatment.
• Food Interactions: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Folitrax-5.

Storage

• Store at room temperature (15°C to 25°C) or below 30°C.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and away from direct sunlight or moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use expired medication.

What is Folitrax 5 Tab used for?

Folitrax 5 Tab, which contains Methotrexate, is used to treat various conditions. It is commonly prescribed for active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, and severe psoriatic arthritis, especially when other treatments haven't been effective. Additionally, it is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (a type of blood cancer), and advanced-stage non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

How does Folitrax 5 Tab work?

Folitrax 5 Tab (Methotrexate) is an antimetabolite that works by interfering with the growth of certain cells in the body that reproduce quickly. In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, it suppresses the overactive immune system, which helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and prevent long-term damage to joints. For cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA.

What is the usual dosage of Folitrax 5 Tab?

For conditions like arthritis and psoriasis, Folitrax 5 Tab is typically taken once a week as a single dose, or sometimes divided into three smaller doses taken 12 hours apart within that week. It is crucial to understand that for these conditions, it is never taken daily, as taking it more often than directed can lead to serious side effects. For cancer treatment, the dosage is usually much higher and is determined by your doctor based on body size and the specific type of cancer. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dose and frequency.

What are the possible side effects of Folitrax 5 Tab?

Common side effects of Folitrax 5 Tab may include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, mouth sores (stomatitis), unusual fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and minor hair loss or thinning.

More serious side effects, though rare, should be reported to your doctor immediately. These include signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, upper belly pain), kidney problems (swollen hands/ankles/feet, changes in urination), lung inflammation (persistent cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath), severe infections (high temperature, chills, sore throat), blood disorders (unexplained bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools, bleeding gums), and severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling rash).

Is Folitrax 5 Tab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Folitrax 5 Tab is highly unsafe and contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cause harm or death to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective birth control during treatment and for at least six months after the last dose. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding because it can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby.

Can Folitrax 5 Tab be taken with other medications?

Methotrexate can interact with other medications. You should generally avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin or ibuprofen, or medicines containing NSAIDs (like over-the-counter cold medications), without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe folic acid tablets to help reduce some side effects of methotrexate, but it should generally not be taken on the same day as methotrexate to avoid affecting its efficacy. Always inform your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Certain live vaccines, such as rotavirus, varicella-zoster, measles, and rubella vaccines, may also interact.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions are necessary while taking Folitrax 5 Tab:

• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Sun Sensitivity: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to a reaction similar to sunburn. It's advised to stay out of bright sun, use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), and wear protective clothing. Avoid sun lamps or tanning beds.
• Infections: Methotrexate can lower your immune system's activity, making you more susceptible to infections. Report any signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat) to your doctor immediately. Also, contact your doctor if you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, lung problems, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or a history of blood disorders before starting treatment.
• Monitoring: Your doctor will likely conduct regular blood tests to monitor your complete blood cell count, liver function, and kidney function.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Folitrax 5 Tab, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one. Consult your doctor for specific advice on missed doses.

How should it be stored?

While specific storage details for Folitrax 5 Tab were not extensively detailed in the search results, medications like these are generally stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It's important to keep all medicines out of the reach of children.