Methofast 50mg Injection
Manufacturer
Neon Laboratories Ltd
Salt Composition
Methotrexate (50mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Methofast 50mg Injection is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus.
Dosage Form
Injection
Introduction
Methofast 50mg Injection is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage.
Directions for Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.
How it works
Methofast 50mg Injection is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking an enzyme (dihydrofolate reductase) involved in DNA synthesis in cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Quick Tips
Take it once a week on the same day every week. Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this medication. Always take folic acid as advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for Methofast 50mg Injection to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects. It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after your last dose. Your doctor may get regular blood test done to monitor your kidney function, liver function, and level of blood cells in your blood.
Frequently asked questions
Can Methofast 50mg Injection cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, Methofast 50mg Injection may cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some patients. Taking folic acid along with this medication may help reduce the likelihood of ulcers. Consulting your healthcare provider to discuss dose reduction might further minimize ulcer formation.
Why must I take folic acid while taking Methofast 50mg Injection?
Folic acid is required for cell production in the body, and Methofast 50mg Injection depletes folic acid levels. Taking folic acid can help mitigate side effects of Methofast 50mg Injection like mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, and liver problems.
Why do I need to have regular blood tests while taking Methofast 50mg Injection?
Regular blood tests help your doctor assess your response to Methofast 50mg Injection and monitor for side effects. They will check for liver function and blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Your doctor may order additional tests based on the test results.
Can Methofast 50mg Injection increase my risk of infections?
Methofast 50mg Injection can decrease the activity of your immune system, potentially leading to serious infections. There are rare reports associating Methofast 50mg Injection with severe lung infections. If you have an active infection, using Methofast 50mg Injection is strongly advised.
Can Methofast 50mg Injection affect fertility?
Yes, Methofast 50mg Injection can affect both male and female fertility. It can decrease sperm count in men and cause menstrual disruptions in women. These effects are reversible and subside after treatment is discontinued.
What should I do if I am planning to become pregnant while my husband is taking Methofast 50mg Injection?
Avoid pregnancy until your husband's therapy for Methofast 50mg Injection has been completed and the minimum waiting period of 3 months following the discontinuation of the treatment has passed. Further advice should be sought from healthcare professionals.
