FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION

INTRODUCTION

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION contains Methotrexate, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antimetabolites. FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is used to manage active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used to manage polyarthritic forms (characterized by the involvement of five or more joints), which are severe, active, and idiopathic in nature and affect young people (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, or JIA). FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is also used to manage psoriasis.

In addition, FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is also used to manage Crohn’s disease and various cancers such as acute lymphocytic lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, etc.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by itchy scales that is not responsive to conventional treatments such as phototherapy and retinoids. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease affecting the intestine.

Before getting FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION administered, it is recommended to inform the doctor about your medical and family history, including the list of medicines (prescription, non-prescription medicines, and herbal medicines) that are being taken, before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

Also, FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended for children less than the age of 3, pregnant and nursing women, women planning pregnancy, those who drink huge amounts of alcohol, and patients suffering from liver and kidney impairment.

Caution must be exercised by patients suffering from lung disorders, blood disorders, and gastric disorders before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION. Care must be taken to avoid taking products containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and cold drinks, while receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

The common side effects that can be experienced after receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and altered levels of blood cells. Consult a doctor if any of the above side effects worsen after receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

USES OF FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION

It is used to manage:

• Active rheumatoid arthritis (adults)
• Severe arthritis occurring due to unknown reasons (idiopathic and juvenile, which is non-responsive to conventional painkillers)
• Psoriasis
• Crohn’s disease
• Polyarthritic forms
• Cancer (acute lymphocytic lymphoma, meningeal leukemia) (a type of cancer of white blood cells in the ovary, breast, cervix, lungs, bones, and bladder

HOW FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION WORKS

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION contains Methotrexate, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) which interferes with the growth of those cells in the body that reproduce quickly. As a result, the growth of those cells gets retarded, thus serving as an anti-tumour agent. Also, FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION decreases the undesired reactions of the body’s own immune-defense mechanism, thereby working as an effective immunosuppressant. In addition, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing pain, swelling, and redness. As a result, FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION manages the symptoms associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION will be administered to you into a muscle (intramuscularly) only by a doctor or a nurse. Your doctor will administer the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea

Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Drink an oral rehydration solution to compensate for the loss of water and minerals. Stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time or worsens with time.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

Take an adequate amount of rest and sleep. Stay hydrated and replenish yourself with electrolytes. Also, do not indulge in driving or using heavy machinery, as it may prove to be dangerous.

Headache

Stay hydrated and take as much rest as possible. Stay away from bright lights and loud sounds. Apply a pain-relieving balm to the forehead. If the headache persists or worsens, consult your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting

Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating heavily rich or spicy food. Stay hydrated. Consult your doctor if it persists for a long time or worsens with time.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you are pregnant and/or are planning to become pregnant since it can be harmful to the foetus (growing baby) and lead to various malformations. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

BREASTFEEDING

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you are a nursing mother. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you feel tired and/or dizzy after receiving the medicine. Consult your doctor prior to receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

ALCOHOL

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you consume large amounts of alcohol. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

KIDNEY

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you are diagnosed with a severe kidney disorder. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

LIVER

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you are diagnosed with a severe liver disorder. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

ALLERGY

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended if you are allergic to methotrexate and/or any other constituent of FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

LUNGS

USE WITH CAUTION

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is recommended to be received with caution if you have issues with lung function and are diagnosed with ascites and pleural effusion. Consult your doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

CONTRAINDICATED

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is not recommended for children below the age of 3 years due to a lack of safety data. If needed, your doctor will administer the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight, and disease condition. Consult the doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

USE IN GERIATRICS

USE WITH CAUTION

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION is recommended to be administered with caution and in a lower dosage to elders due to diminished function of the liver and kidneys and reduced folate levels in the blood in old age. Consult the doctor before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before receiving FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Other medicines used to manage rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis (Ex. leflunomide, phenylbutazone, or amidopyrine)
• Medicines used in organ transplantation (Ex. azathioprine)
• Medicines used to manage skin conditions (Ex. retinoids)
• Medicines used to manage fits (Ex. phenytoin)
• Medicines used in cancer
• Medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. barbiturates such as phenobarbitone)
• Medicines used to induce calmness and relieve anxiety (Ex. tranquilizers such as diazepam)
• Medicines used for oral contraception (Ex. estrogen)
• Medicines used to manage gout (Ex. probenecid)
• Medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. amoxicillin)
• Medicines used to manage malaria (Ex. pyrimethamine)
• Medicines used to manage severe heartburn or ulcers (Ex. omeprazole)
• Medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. theophylline)
• Medicines used to suppress hyperactive immune system (Ex. diphenylhydantoin, amidopyrine derivatives)
• Medicines used to manage various infections (Ex. pyrimethamine and cotrimoxazole)
• Medicines used to manage increased cholesterol levels (Ex. Cholestyramine)
• Medicines used to manage heart problems (Ex. Amiodarone)
• Medicines used to manage diabetes (Ex. Metformin)

B. Drug-food interactions:

It is recommended to avoid the consumption of drinks containing caffeine, such as black tea, coffee, and soft drinks, to prevent dehydration.

Overdosage:

FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION will be administered only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. Contact your doctor immediately. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms like an easy tendency to bruise or bleed, nausea, vomiting, or feeling unusual weakness, along with the development of mouth sores, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood and vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, or decreased urination.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION out of the reach and sight of children
• Store FOLITRAX 50MG INJECTION at a temperature below 25°C