Biotrexate 25mg Injection
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis where it helps prevent further joint damage. It is also used to treat severe forms of a skin disease called psoriasis, in the treatment of various cancers, and in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Biotrexate 25mg Injection
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis where it helps prevent further joint damage. It is also used to treat severe forms of a skin disease called psoriasis, in the treatment of various cancers, and in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis where it helps prevent further joint damage. It is also used to treat severe forms of a skin disease called psoriasis, in the treatment of various cancers, and in the treatment of Crohn’s disease.
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is given under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse and should not be self-administered. It may be used by itself or in combination with other medicines. 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.
The most common side effects of this medicine include abdominal pain, indigestion, los of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, hair loss, and low blood platelets. 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. It is powerful medicine, and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you on regular blood tests to check for these.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have stomach, liver, or kidney problems, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. You and your partner should avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child for several months after your treatment with it has stopped. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, X-rays, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine.
03Uses
Treatment of Crohn’s disease
Treatment of Cancer
Treatment of Psoriasis
Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, it works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. In cancer, it inhibits cancer cells from multiplying by blocking a special enzyme that is needed to make new cells.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
Q: What if you forget to take this medicine?
A:
07Benefits
In Treatment of Psoriasis
Biotrexate 25mg Injection belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Biotrexate 25mg Injection works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
08Side Effects
Low blood platelets
Mouth sore
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Tiredness
Hair loss
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Biotrexate 25mg Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:UNSAFE
Biotrexate 25mg Injection 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.
Breast feeding:UNSAFE
Biotrexate 25mg Injection is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving:UNSAFE
Biotrexate 25mg Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney:CAUTION
Biotrexate 25mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Biotrexate 25mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver:CAUTION
Biotrexate 25mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Biotrexate 25mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Use of Biotrexate 25mg Injection is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
10Drug Tips
It is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), usually in the upper thigh or the abdomen.
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 Biotrexate 25mg 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.
References
Sources and references
Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 944-46.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 887-90.
Hanoodi M, Mittal M. Methotrexate. [Updated 2023 Jan 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from: View
Rampton DS. Methotrexate in Crohn’s disease. Gut. 2001 Jun;48(6):790-1. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from: View
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Manufacturing and Marketing permission issued from SND Division from 01.01.2018 to 28.09.2018. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from: View
