Folitrax 15 mg

Composition of Folitrax 15 mg

Folitrax 15 mg contains Methotrexate (15mg). It belongs to the Enzyme / disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent class of medicines.

Uses of Folitrax 15 mg

Treatment of Cancer Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment of Psoriasis Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Key benefits

• In Treatment of Cancer Folitrax 15 Tablet works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers
• such as acute leukemias
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• and solid tumors found in the breast
• lung
• bladder
• head
• and neck
• as well as cervical
• ovarian
• and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis Folitrax 15 Tablet is typically used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis when other treatments have not been effective. As a second-line treatment
• it works by suppressing the immune system
• which helps reduce inflammation
• pain
• stiffness
• and improves joint function. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
• taking it exactly as prescribed
• and for the full duration. It may take several months to show full effects. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. In Treatment of Psoriasis Folitrax 15 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Folitrax 15 Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. In Treatment of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. Folitrax 15 Tablet helps reduce the inflammation
• relieve the symptoms
• and prevent them from coming back. Show More

How Folitrax 15 mg works

Folitrax 15 Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division, and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Folitrax 15 Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Folitrax 15 Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Folitrax 15 Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis or damage to the intestine in Crohn's disease.

How to take Folitrax 15 mg

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Folitrax 15 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

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

If you miss a dose of Folitrax 15 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

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 Folitrax 15 mg

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

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

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 Folitrax 15 mg

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 Folitrax 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 Folitrax 15 mg

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Folitrax 15 mg

Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this medication. Take folic acid if advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine. Folitrax 15 Tablet may take from weeks to months for Folitrax 15 Tablet to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed. Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your kidney function, liver function, and the level of blood cells in your blood. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of side effects.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

IPCA LABORATORIES LTD`

Therapeutic class:

ANTI NEOPLASTICS

Drug class:

Enzyme / disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agent

Chemical class:

Glutamic Acid Derivative