Methofast 2.5mg tablet contains the active substance Methotrexate. It is an anti-metabolite and immunosuppressant drug. It treats certain types of cancer, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), meningeal leukemia, non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, soft tissue and bone sarcoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer in adults. It is also used to treat severe psoriasis in adults (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some body areas). It is also indicated to treat rheumatoid arthritis (a disease of the joints) in adults.
Do not use Methofast 2.5mg tablet if you are allergic to methotrexate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you have kidney or liver problems, blood disorders, weakened immune system, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Inform your physician immediately if you experience any symptoms of spitting and coughing up blood, general muscle weakness, vision disturbance, changes in thinking, memory, and orientation problems. This medicine may impair fertility. Avoid getting pregnant during the treatment and for six months after the last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer, active infection, or mild kidney problems and about any recent vaccinations before starting the treatment. Methofast 2.5mg tablet can cause serious side effects even with low doses; hence, regular follow-ups and routine laboratory tests will be necessary as a precaution. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Uses of Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Therapeutic Effects of Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Methofast 2.5mg tablet inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase. Therefore, this medicine interferes with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. Actively proliferating tissues such as malignant cells, bone marrow, fetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and urinary bladder cells are, in general, more sensitive to this medicine. Blocking these slows down how fast cancer cells grow and spread. In treating rheumatoid arthritis, this medicine is thought to stop or reduce inflammation in the joints by altering the body's defense mechanism in the immune system.
Interaction of Methofast 2.5mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with methotrexate and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
How to consume Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Always use this medicine as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the condition being treated, your physician decides the dose, dosage, and frequency of this medicine. Do not chew, crush or dissolve the tablets. The score line is only there to help you break the tablet if you have difficulty swallowing it whole. Swallow the tablets whole with water.
Safety Advices for Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Do not use Methofast 2.5mg tablet during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment. Use effective contraception during the treatment and for six months after the last dose.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during the treatment.
Lungs
Methofast 2.5mg tablet should be cautiously used in patients with lung disorders. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
Methofast 2.5mg tablet is contraindicated in patients with acute liver failure. Dose adjustments are necessary if you have liver problems. Inform your physician if you have any liver disease before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol
It is unsafe to drink alcohol while you take Methofast 2.5mg tablet because it may cause damage to your liver.
Driving
Methofast 2.5mg tablet may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, loss of co-ordination or can give blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience any of these side effects.
Side Effects of Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Hairloss
- Photosensitivity
- Rash
- Diarrhea, Nausea and Vomiting
- Decreased WBC and platelet count
- Dizziness
- Tiredness, fever, and shivering
- Blurred vision
Serious
- Severe allergic reactions
- Spitting or coughing blood
- Chest pain
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Muscle weakness
Word of Advice
Avoid getting vaccines while using this medicine. This drug can cause sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen when going outdoors. Methofast 2.5mg tablet affects male and female infertility; consult your doctor before initiating the treatment if this concerns you. Male patients with female partners with reproductive potential should use an effective form of birth control during the treatment and 3 months after the last dose. Do not consume alcohol while receiving this medicine because this may increase the risk of liver damage. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Inform your physician if you develop sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat while using this medicine.
FAQs
Q 1. What are the most common side effects of Methofast 2.5mg tablet?
The most common side effects of Methofast 2.5mg tablet are hair loss, photosensitivity, rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased WBC and platelet count, dizziness, tiredness, fever, shivering, and blurred vision. Inform your physician if these side effects persist for a longer period.
Q 2. What to expect after taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet for ectopic pregnancy?
Some possible side effects after taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, skin rashes, indigestion, tiredness, lightheadedness, or dizziness. Consult your doctor if you have noticed any of these side effects.
Q 3. How to boost the immune system while taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet?
Eating a well-balanced diet, taking all other prescribed medications, including vitamin supplements, getting adequate sleep, and staying hydrated is important. It can boost your immune system while taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet.
Q 4. Can I stop taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet?
Do not stop taking Methofast 2.5mg tablet without consulting your doctor. If stopped abruptly, this medicine may cause side effects.
Q 5. How long can you take Methofast 2.5mg tablet?
Take this medicine as long as your healthcare professional prescribes it. Generally, this medicine will be prescribed until your disease condition gets resolved. Do not stop this medicine without consulting the doctor.
Q 6. How do I know if Methofast 2.5mg tablet is working?
People taking this medicine can see improvement in 12 weeks. For some individuals, it may take longer to show the results based on their condition. Your physician will suggest you take regular blood tests and follow-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.
Fact Box of Methofast 2.5mg Tablet
Molecule Name: Methotrexate | Therapeutic Class: 1. Anticancer 2. Antirheumatic |
Pharmacological Class: 1. Antimetabolite 2. Immunomodulators | Indications: 1. To treat certain types of cancers 2. To treat severe psoriasis 3. To treat rheumatoid arthritis |