Methotrexate

Details of the Drug

Generic Name:: Methotrexate
Pronunciation:: meth-oh-TREK-sate
Drug Type:: Antimetabolite
How the Drug is Given:: By mouth
Names:: Rheumatrex®; Trexall®; Methotrexate

Indications and Usage

Methotrexate is FDA approved, alone or with other drugs, to treat people who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has spread to the central nervous system (CNS) or to prevent ALL from spreading to the CNS. It is also FDA approved to treat people who have advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma and advanced mycosis fungoides. It may also be used to treat people with other types of blood cancer.

Side effects needing medical attention

Black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; diarrhea; sores in mouth or on lips; stomach pain; fever; chills; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in urine or dark urine; blurred vision; confusion; convulsions or seizures; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; joint pain; shortness of breath; rash; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of eyes and skin; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting. The above side effects may be more likely to occur in very young and very old patients.

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