Zydus Cadila
Methotrexate (2.5mg)
Mexate 2.5 Tablet is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body, rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn's disease.
Tablet
Mexate 2.5 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking too much of it can cause 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 consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase your risk of liver damage. The most common side effects of this medicine are ulcerative stomatitis, hair loss, low blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, nausea, and abdominal distress.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush, or break it. Mexate 2.5 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Mexate 2.5 Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Mexate 2.5 Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Mexate 2.5 Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Mexate 2.5 Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis or damage to bowel in Crohn's disease.
Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this medication. Take folic acid if advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine. It may take from weeks to months for Mexate 2.5 Tablet to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed. Your doctor may get regular blood test done to monitor your kidney function, liver function, and level of blood cells in your blood. 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.
Yes, mouth ulcers and sore mouth are potential side effects of Mexate 2.5 Tablet in some cases. Taking folic acid may help alleviate these symptoms. Your doctor can advise on reducing the dosage to further minimize this issue.
Folic acid is required for cell production in the body, and Mexate 2.5 Tablet decreases folic acid levels. Folic acid can help reduce common side effects like mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, and liver problems.
Regular blood tests will allow your doctor to monitor your response to Mexate 2.5 Tablet and detect any side effects early on. This includes checking liver function and blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Additional tests may be ordered based on the results.
Yes, Mexate 2.5 Tablet can decrease immune system activity, potentially leading to serious infections. Rare cases have been reported where lung infections occurred while using this medication. If you have an active infection, use Mexate 2.5 Tablet with caution.
Yes, it may decrease sperm count in males and cause menstrual disturbances in females. These effects are reversible and will cease once the treatment is discontinued.
Avoid pregnancy while your husband takes Mexate 2.5 Tablet, and also avoid conception for at least three months after the therapy as it may lead to serious fetal abnormalities.