Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free

Generic Name: methotrexate (injection) (Pronunciation: meth oh TREX ate)

• What is methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What are the possible side effects of methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What is the most important information I should know about methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• How is methotrexate injection given (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What happens if I overdose (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What should I avoid while receiving methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• What other drugs will affect methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?

Methotrexate injection interferes with the growth of certain cells of the body, especially cells that reproduce quickly, such as cancer cells, bone marrow cells, and skin cells.

Methotrexate injection is used to treat leukemia and certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung. Methotrexate injection is also used to treat severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methotrexate injection is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Methotrexate injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea, vomiting, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• weight loss, night sweats, swollen glands;
• fever, chills, flu symptoms, cough with yellow or green mucus;
• dry cough without mucus;
• stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, neck stiffness, headache, back pain, seizure (convulsions);
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• dizziness; or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about methotrexate injection (Methotrexate Sodium, Preservative Free)?

Methotrexate injection can cause serious or life-threatening side effects on your liver, lungs, kidneys, and bone marrow (immune system). To check for harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested, and you may need an occasional liver biopsy or chest x-ray. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

You may not be able to receive methotrexate injection if you have liver disease (especially if caused by alcoholism), a blood cell or bone marrow disorder, or if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your doctor will decide if this treatment is right for you.

Methotrexate can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You should not use methotrexate to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, whether you are a man or a woman. Tell your doctor if you or your sexual partner become pregnant during treatment.

There are many other medicines that can interact with methotrexate injection. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

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