Methotrexate: Patient drug information
Brand Names: US
- Jylamvo;
- Otrexup;
- Rasuvo;
- RediTrex [DSC];
- Trexall;
- Xatmep
Brand Names: Canada
- ACH-Methotrexate;
- AURO-Methotrexate;
- JAMP-Methotrexate [DSC];
- M-Methotrexate;
- Metoject;
- PMS-Methotrexate
Warning
-
urn:lims:b498:s5722375
No
For all uses of this drug:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5658132
•
No
Severe side effects like bone marrow problems, liver problems, lung problems, and infections can happen with this drug. Some side effects may not go away and can be deadly. You must talk with the doctor about the risks of this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2700695
•
No
This drug may cause kidney problems in some patients. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5658133
•
No
Regular blood work and other exams will need to be done to check for side effects. Follow what the doctor has told you.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4860384
•
No
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or extra fluid around your stomach area or lungs. The chance of side effects may be raised.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2700546
•
No
Talk with your doctor if you are getting radiation. There may be more chance of harm to tissue and bone.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6887152
•
No
New types of cancer have happened in people taking this drug. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4860442
•
No
It is common to have diarrhea, upset stomach, throwing up, or mouth sores with this drug. However, sometimes these may be signs of severe and sometimes deadly stomach or bowel problems. Tell your doctor if you get any new or worsening signs. You may need to stop this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7194597
•
No
Severe skin reactions have happened with this drug. These have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other severe skin reactions. Sometimes these have been deadly. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; other skin irritation (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4860385
•
No
Very bad and sometimes deadly bone marrow problems and stomach or bowel problems have happened when this drug was taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4860364
•
No
Not all methotrexate products are used to treat cancer. Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6892995
•
Female
No
This drug may cause harm to an unborn baby or loss of an unborn baby. A pregnancy test will be done before you start this drug to show that you are NOT pregnant.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7135074
•
No
If you or your sex partner may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask your doctor how long to use birth control. If you or your sex partner gets pregnant, call your doctor right away.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5368849
No
Cancer treatment:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5658134
•
No
Patients with cancer may be at greater risk of getting a bad and sometimes deadly health problem called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5768882
No
For all reasons other than cancer treatment:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2700267
•
Female
No
Do not take if you are pregnant.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4613045
•
No
This drug must only be used when other drugs cannot be used or have not worked. Talk with your doctor to be sure that the benefits of this drug are more than the risks.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5945110
No
Injection:
-
urn:lims:b498:s7406553
•
No
Some products have benzyl alcohol. If possible, avoid products with benzyl alcohol in newborns or infants. Serious side effects can happen in these children with some doses of benzyl alcohol, including if given with other drugs that have benzyl alcohol. Talk with the doctor to see if this product has benzyl alcohol in it.
What is this drug used for?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2691672
•
No
It is used to treat cancer.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6828462
•
No
It is used to treat some types of arthritis.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6905346
•
No
It is used to treat some types of psoriasis.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2692146
•
No
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705171
•
No
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4860462
•
No
If you have any of these health problems: Bone marrow disease (like low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or anemia), drinking problem, liver disease, or a weak immune system.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6037050
•
Female
No
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug. You may also need to avoid breast-feeding for some time after your last dose. Talk with your doctor to see if you need to avoid breast-feeding after your last dose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705566
No
Tablets:
-
urn:lims:b498:s7005751
•
No
If you are not able to swallow tablets.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194403
No
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194405
No
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s5722375
No
For all uses of this drug:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697633
•
No
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2858939
•
No
Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698315
•
No
You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5952075
•
No
Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection like fever, chills, flu-like signs, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or a wound that will not heal.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697795
•
No
You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4469784
•
No
Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of bleeding problems, like bruising; black, tarry, or bloody stools; bleeding gums; blood in the urine; coughing up blood; cuts that take a long time to stop bleeding; feel dizzy; feeling very tired or weak; nosebleeds; pain or swelling; throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds; or very bad headache.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697613
•
No
Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4231042
•
No
Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697790
•
No
You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4612263
•
No
Tell your doctor if you have fluid loss, unusual sweating, throwing up, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or unusual thirst.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7005747
•
No
Nervous system problems that may be severe have happened with this drug. Some lasted for a short time while some lasted for a long time. These nervous system problems can get worse over time, may not get better, and can be deadly. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697247
•
No
If you have had radiation, talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697004
•
No
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6892996
•
No
This drug may affect fertility. This may lead to not being able to get pregnant or father a child. If this happens, it is not known if fertility will go back to normal.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4716864
•
Female
No
If you miss a period, have unprotected sex, or think that your birth control has not worked, call your doctor right away.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5368849
No
Cancer treatment:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697087
•
No
If you are taking a product that has folic acid or folinic acid in it, talk with your doctor. It may make this drug not work as well.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
-
urn:lims:b498:s4186185
No
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
-
urn:lims:b498:s5722375
No
For all uses of this drug:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699066
•
No
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4192392
•
No
Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4199664
•
No
Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4192387
•
No
Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4674444
•
No
Signs of lung or breathing problems like shortness of breath or other trouble breathing, cough, or fever.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4561625
•
No
Signs of nerve problems like a burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal; weakness; or not being able to move a part of the body (paralysis).
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698999
•
No
Pinpoint red spots on the skin.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699023
•
No
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699003
•
No
Seizures.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699058
•
No
Feeling confused.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4192396
•
No
Feeling sleepy.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697967
•
No
Change in eyesight.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2697916
•
No
Bone pain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699095
•
No
Swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698619
•
No
Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698119
•
No
Headache.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698974
•
No
Neck stiffness.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5368849
No
Cancer treatment:
-
urn:lims:b498:s7005749
•
No
Signs of a severe health problem called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) like fast or abnormal heartbeat; passing out; trouble passing urine; muscle weakness or cramps; upset stomach, throwing up, diarrhea, or not able to eat; or feeling sluggish.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s4186184
No
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698984
•
No
Decreased appetite.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698113
•
No
Hair loss.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6834228
•
No
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4489422
•
No
Stomach pain.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5159622
•
No
Signs of a common cold.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699671
No
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4577343
US
No
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best taken?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696083
No
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s7005752
•
No
Your dose and how often you take it will be based on the health problem that is being treated. This drug must NEVER be taken daily unless used for some types of cancer. Deadly errors have happened when this drug was taken the wrong way. Be sure you know how to take this drug. If you do not understand what your dose is and how often to take it, talk with your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694655
•
No
How this drug is taken may change based on blood work results, side effects, and how well the drug is working.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5138427
•
No
You will need to take special care when handling this drug. Check with the doctor or pharmacist to see how to handle this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694818
•
No
Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4680892
No
All liquid products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2695363
•
No
Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6537402
•
No
Do not use a household teaspoon or tablespoon to measure this drug. Doing so could lead to the dose being too high.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7297232
No
Oral solution (Jylamvo):
-
urn:lims:b498:s2695636
•
No
Shake well before use.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6462578
No
Injection (subcutaneous):
-
urn:lims:b498:s4131880
•
No
It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696367
•
No
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
-
urn:lims:b498:s5657909
•
No
Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699169
•
No
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6716552
•
No
Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6635952
•
No
If you are not sure if your dose was injected or if you have a hard time giving the dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using another dose.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696118
•
No
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335069
No
All other injection products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2695976
•
No
It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2694370
•
No
A shot may be given into the spinal fluid.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
-
urn:lims:b498:s2696446
•
No
Call your doctor to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
-
urn:lims:b498:s7297234
No
Oral solution (Xatmep):
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699430
•
No
Store liquid (solution) in a refrigerator or at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 2 months.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4522390
•
No
Keep lid tightly closed.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699159
•
No
Do not freeze.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699262
•
No
Protect from heat.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7297232
No
Oral solution (Jylamvo):
-
urn:lims:b498:s6866683
•
No
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4522390
•
No
Keep lid tightly closed.
-
urn:lims:b498:s7297235
•
No
After opening, throw away any part not used after 3 months.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6484641
No
Tablets and injection (subcutaneous):
-
urn:lims:b498:s6870077
•
No
Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699159
•
No
Do not freeze.
-
urn:lims:b498:s6335069
No
All other injection products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699596
•
No
If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2705324
No
All products:
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699678
•
No
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
-
urn:lims:b498:s4194563
•
No
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699675
•
No
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699673
•
No
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2699709
•
US
No
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
-
urn:lims:b498:s2698721
•
No
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Last Reviewed Date2023-12-20
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
-
urn:lims:b498:s3671576
No
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
-
urn:lims:b498:s3674382
No
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Topic 10856 Version 251.0