Folitrax 10mg Tab

FOLITRAX 10MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: Folitrax 10 Tablet
• Common Name: Methotrexate (active ingredient)

Composition:

• Active Ingredient: Methotrexate 10 mg

Uses: Folitrax 10 Tablet, containing Methotrexate, is an antimetabolite drug used to treat various conditions by suppressing the immune system and inhibiting cell growth.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Manages active rheumatoid arthritis in adults, including polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children, especially when other treatments are ineffective. It reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and improves joint function by suppressing the immune system.
• Psoriasis: Treats severe and uncontrolled psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that has been unresponsive to conventional therapies. It works by controlling inflammation, slowing the rapid growth of skin cells, and suppressing the overactive immune system.
• Cancer: Used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast, lung, head and neck, blood cancers (like acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, mycosis fungoides), osteosarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. It slows the growth of cancer cells by disrupting DNA synthesis.
• Crohn's Disease: Also used in the management of Crohn's disease.

Dosage and Administration:

• Folitrax 10 Tablet is typically taken orally, usually once a week, as prescribed by a doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Dosage is determined by individual factors like age, condition severity, and treatment response.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Do not self-adjust the dose or discontinue without consulting a doctor.

Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis), hair loss, decreased blood cell counts (anemia, low white blood cells, low platelets), increased liver enzymes, and abdominal distress. Folic acid supplementation may help reduce some side effects.

Precautions:

• Contraindications: Not recommended if allergic to methotrexate, pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe liver/kidney disorders, low white blood cell or platelet counts, mouth/stomach/intestine ulcers, or chronic alcoholism. Avoid live vaccines while on this treatment.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Highly unsafe during pregnancy as it can harm the developing fetus; effective contraception is advised. Not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Organ Function: Use with caution in patients with existing liver, kidney, or blood disorders. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor kidney and liver function.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption due to increased risk of liver damage.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and pre-existing conditions. It can interact with salicylates, certain antibiotics, diuretics, epilepsy medicines (phenytoin), gout medicines (probenecid), NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, and folic acid supplements (which can decrease its efficacy).

Storage:

• Store at room temperature, ideally below 30°C or 25°C.
• Keep in original packaging, away from direct sunlight or moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use expired medication.

Here are frequently asked questions about FOLITRAX 10MG TAB:

1. What is FOLITRAX 10MG TAB used for?

FOLITRAX 10MG TAB (Methotrexate) is primarily used to treat various conditions, including active rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis), severe psoriasis, and severe psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute leukemias, and osteosarcoma.

2. How does FOLITRAX 10MG TAB work?

FOLITRAX 10MG TAB contains Methotrexate, an antimetabolite drug. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for DNA synthesis and cell replication. By disrupting this process, Methotrexate suppresses the overactive immune system in autoimmune conditions, reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. In cancer, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of rapidly dividing cancer cells.

3. What is the usual dosage for FOLITRAX 10MG TAB?

FOLITRAX 10MG TAB is typically taken once weekly. For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, the dosage usually ranges from 7.5 mg to 25 mg per week. However, the exact dosage depends on the specific condition being treated, patient weight, age, and response to treatment, and must be strictly followed as prescribed by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed.

4. What are the possible side effects of FOLITRAX 10MG TAB?

Common side effects can include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, mouth sores (ulcerative stomatitis), hair loss, loss of appetite, low blood cell count, and increased liver enzymes. More serious side effects can involve worsening of liver or kidney diseases, bone marrow suppression, or an increased risk of infection due to lowered white blood cell counts. Your doctor may recommend taking folic acid to help reduce some of these side effects.

5. Is FOLITRAX 10MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, FOLITRAX 10MG TAB is considered highly unsafe during pregnancy and is not recommended. It can cause harm to the developing fetus, including birth defects. Similarly, it is unsafe during breastfeeding as components of the medicine can pass into breast milk. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least six months after stopping the medication.

6. Can FOLITRAX 10MG TAB be taken with other medications?

FOLITRAX 10MG TAB can interact with many other medications, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Notable interactions include increased levels/toxicity with NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), salicylates (e.g., aspirin), certain antibiotics, gout medications, and some antacids. Folic acid supplements can decrease its efficacy, though doctors may prescribe them to manage side effects. Live vaccines should be avoided while on this treatment.

7. What precautions should be taken while using FOLITRAX 10MG TAB?

Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or blood disorders, peptic ulcers, immunodeficiency, diabetes, or lung conditions. Alcohol consumption should be avoided due to an increased risk of liver damage. Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor liver and kidney function, as well as blood cell counts. Stay well-hydrated and take folic acid if advised by your doctor to mitigate side effects. As it can cause dizziness or fatigue, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

8. What happens if a dose of FOLITRAX 10MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it's still within the weekly schedule. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Repeatedly missing doses can reduce the treatment's effectiveness.

9. How should FOLITRAX 10MG TAB be stored?

FOLITRAX 10MG TAB should be stored at room temperature, generally below 30°C (or 25°C according to some sources). Keep the tablets in their original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It is crucial to keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use expired medication.