Methotrexate For Cancer: Before Using

Methotrexate For Cancer - Systemic

Brand Names

amethopterin Methotrexate For Cancer *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects *** Additional Information

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For methotrexate, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to methotrexate.

Pregnancy care

Tell your family doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to have children. There is a good risk that this drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or if it is taken during pregnancy. Methotrexate may cause harm or even death of the fetus. In addition, many cancer medication may cause sterility, which could be permanent. Although sterility is probably rare with this drug, the possibility must be kept in mind.

Be sure that you have discussed this with your family doctor before taking this drug. It is best to use some kind of birth control while you are taking methotrexate. Tell your family doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while taking methotrexate.

Breast-feeding problem

Tell your family doctor if you are breast-feeding or if you intend to breast-feed during treat with this drug. Because methotrexate may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are taking it.

Use for Children

Newborns and other infants may be more sensitive to the effects of methotrexate. However, in other children it is not expected to cause various side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Elderly care

Side effects may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of methotrexate.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking methotrexate, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription - over-the-counter "OTC " drug. They must also be told if you have ever been treated with x-rays or cancer medication or if you drink alcohol.

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of methotrexate. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Alcohol abuse - or history of Increased risk of unwanted effects on the liver

Chickenpox - including recent exposure
Herpes zoster - shingles chance of severe disease effecting other parts of the body

Colitis

Disease of the immune system

Gout - history of
Kidney stones - or history of Methotrexate may increase levels of a chemical called uric acid in the body, which can cause gout or kidney stones

Infection Methotrexate can reduce immunity to infection

Intestine blockage
Kidney disease
Liver disease Effects may be increased because of slower removal of methotrexate from the body

Mouth sores or inflammation
Stomach ulcer May be worsened