Methotrexate For Noncancerous Conditions (Systemic)
Brand Names : Folex, Folex PFS, Methotrexate LPF, Rheumatrex, amethopterin
Category- Antipsoriatic, systemic
- Antirheumatic, disease-modifying
DescriptionMethotrexate (meth-o-TREX-ate) belongs to the group of medicines known
as antimetabolites. It is used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Methotrexate blocks an enzyme needed by the cell to live. This interferes
with the growth of certain cells, such as skin cells in psoriasis that are
growing rapidly. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected
by methotrexate, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious
and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not
be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or
years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with methotrexate, you and your doctor should
talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Methotrexate is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the
following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- Folex
- Folex PFS
- Methotrexate LPF
- Rheumatrex
In Canada -
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.
Another commonly used name is amethopterin
.
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