Dermotrex Gel

Composition of Dermotrex Gel

Dermotrex Gel contains Methotrexate. It belongs to the Enzyme / disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent class of medicines.

Uses of Dermotrex Gel

• This medicine is used in the treatment of pain and swelling
• inflammatory arthritis
• gout and recovery after injury or surgery.

Key benefits

• Reduces swelling and joint damage over time
• Improves function in inflammatory disease

How Dermotrex Gel works

Methotrexate reduces inflammation and the swelling that comes with injury, surgery or an inflammatory joint disease.

How to take Dermotrex Gel

Clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer and rub it in gently. Wash your hands before and after use, unless your hands are the area being treated. This is for use on the skin only — do not swallow it. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Contact your doctor for advice. Do not take the missed weekly dose together with the next one.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can seriously suppress the bone marrow and damage the liver. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Dermotrex Gel

Most side effects of Dermotrex are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Loose motions
• Rash
• Raised liver enzymes

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Dermotrex Gel

Warnings and precautions

Medicines that suppress the immune system need regular blood tests — do not miss them. Report fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or unusual bruising promptly if you are on an immune-suppressing medicine. Tell your doctor about any infection, and before any vaccination. Methotrexate for arthritis is taken ONCE A WEEK. Taking it daily by mistake is dangerous — check the day on your pack. For arthritis and psoriasis this medicine is taken ONCE A WEEK, on the same day each week. Taking it daily by mistake causes severe, sometimes fatal harm — check the day on your pack and confirm it with your pharmacist. Take folic acid on the days your doctor has specified, but not on the same day as the methotrexate unless told to. Report mouth ulcers, sore throat, fever, unusual bruising or breathlessness immediately.

Do not take Dermotrex if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an active serious infection, or with severe liver or bone-marrow disease. Several of these medicines must not be used in pregnancy.

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially anti-inflammatory painkillers and antibiotics. Live vaccines are generally avoided while on immune-suppressing treatment.

How to store Dermotrex Gel

Store below 25°C, protected from direct light and moisture. Keep the tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Dermotrex Gel

Keep every monitoring blood test appointment. Carry a note of the medicine and its schedule, especially for weekly dosing.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

EAST WEST PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Drug class:

Enzyme / disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent