Oncotrex 2.5 mg

Oncotrex 2.5mg

Oncotrex 2.5mg contains the active ingredient Methotrexate, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (MARD), which reduces the immune system activity of people with certain health issues. The immune system normally protects the body from infections and fights them. But in some conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the body, such as the joints, ultimately leading to inflammation, which can bring swelling, redness, stiffness, and pain. Methotrexate reduces the body's immune system, decreases pain, swelling, and stiffness, and improves function. Doctors prescribe Methotrexate to people with various types of arthritis and relations conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Myositis
• Vasculitis
• Enteropathic arthritis
• Systemic sclerosis

The medicine can also be given to children who are suffering with:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Vasculitis
• Lupus
• Juvenile dermatomyositis
• Uveitis
• Localised scleroderma

How to use

Oncotrex should be taken once per week. You will be given a starting dose of Methotrexate while your doctor tries to bring your condition under control, but this may be increased if it is not helping your symptoms. Taking one strength, usually, 2.5 mg, is recommended until an adequate response is achieved. Your doctor will adjust the dose gradually to achieve optimal clinical response. Once the desired clinical response has been achieved, your doctor will reduce the dosage to the best lowest possible dosing regimen.    

Precautions

Oncotrex has been reported to cause fetal death and congenital abnormalities. Therefore, it is not recommended for women of childbearing age unless there is clear medical evidence that the benefits can be expected to outweigh the risks. Pregnant ladies with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis should not receive Oncotrex. Because of the potential or serious side effects of Methotrexate in breastfed infants, it is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis who gave evidence of immunodeficiency syndrome or had a pre-existing blood-related condition such as leukopenia, bone marrow hypoplasia, thrombocytopenia or anaemia should not receive Oncotrex.

Methotrexate should not be used for a patient who has a known hypersensitivity to Methotrexate should not take this medicine. Patients should be informed of the early symptoms of toxicity, the need to see their doctor immediately if they occur, and the need for close follow-up, including laboratory tests to monitor toxicity. The recommended dose is weekly in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and the mistaken daily use of the recommended dose has led to fatal toxicity. For proper dosing, it is important to read the prescription carefully. Rarely, severe bone marrow suppression, anaemia, and gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported with concomitant administration of Methotrexate along with some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Caution should be used when NSAIDs and salicylates are administered concomitantly with lower doses of oncotrex.

Oral antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and tetracycline may decrease intestinal absorption or Methotrexate. It is generally recommended that children who are taking Methotrexate avoid live vaccines. If you are due to have surgery, ask your doctor whether it will affect your routine methotrexate treatment. Alcohol and Methotrexate affect your liver, so you mustn't drink alcohol while receiving the antirheumatic drug.

Side effects

Oncotrex can cause side effects, including headaches, sickness, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, vomiting, rashes, shortness of breath, minor hair loss and hair thinning. If you are concerned by any side effects, talk to a doctor for advice.

Call your doctor if you begin to feel unwell, develop new symptoms that worry you, or if you experience sores in your mouth, flushing or sweating, a cough, raised temperature or fever, a sore throat, tummy ache, feeling or being sick, changes in your urine and how often you pee. Side effects can develop immediately or after taking Methotrexate for a long time, but mild effects often settle over time.