Mtxe 20 Tablet
Manufacturer
Ankaa Pharmaceutical
Salt Composition
Methotrexate (20mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Mtxe 20 Tablet 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. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Mtxe 20 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, hairloss, low blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, nausea, and abdominal distress. Your doctor may advise you to take folic acid to reduce some of these. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, X-rays, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine to check for these.
Directions for Use
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. Mtxe 20 Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Safety Information
Side Effects
No common side effects listed.
Alcohol Warning
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Mtxe 20 Tablet.
Breastfeeding Warning
Mtxe 20 Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Pregnancy Warning
Mtxe 20 Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Interacting Medicines
Rotavirus vaccine (live attenuated, oral) Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus Measles Vaccine (Live) Rubella vaccine (Live)
How it works
Mtxe 20 Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Mtxe 20 Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Mtxe 20 Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Mtxe 20 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.
Quick Tips
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 Mtxe 20 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.
Related Medicines
Frequently asked questions
What are the potential side effects of Mtxe 20 Tablet on the mouth?
Mtxe 20 Tablet may cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers in some individuals. Taking folic acid along with this medicine can help alleviate these symptoms. Your doctor might also consider reducing the dose to minimize the risk of mouth ulcers.
Why is folic acid required when taking Mtxe 20 Tablet?
Folic acid plays a crucial role in producing new cells in the body. Since Mtxe 20 Tablet decreases folic acid levels, supplementing with folic acid can help mitigate common side effects such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, and liver problems.
What is the importance of regular blood tests while taking Mtxe 20 Tablet?
Regular blood tests enable your doctor to monitor your response to Mtxe 20 Tablet and detect potential side effects. These tests will check your liver function and blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Additional tests may be ordered based on the results.
Can Mtxe 20 Tablet use increase my risk of infections?
Yes, Mtxe 20 Tablet can suppress your immune system's activity. As a result, you might experience serious infections. Although rare, there have been reports of severe lung infections associated with Mtxe 20 Tablet use. If you have an active infection, it is essential to exercise caution when using this medication.
Can Mtxe 20 Tablet affect fertility?
Yes, Mtxe 20 Tablet may impact fertility in both males and females. It can lead to decreased sperm count in males and menstrual irregularities in females. Fortunately, these effects are reversible and will subside once the therapy is discontinued.
What should I do if I'm planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Mtxe 20 Tablet?
It's advisable to avoid pregnancy while your husband is taking Mtxe 20 Tablet. Additionally, it's recommended that you wait for at least three months after the therapy has been completed before attempting conception to minimize the risk of serious fetal abnormalities.
