Rheumatrex Injection Description

Rheumatrex Injection or generic Methotrexate is an antimetabolite drug that your doctor may recommend to treat certain types of cancers, including breast, lung, and skin cancer. This is an injectable drug that is usually administered by your doctor during an office visit/exam to be certain that the dosage is correct and it is injected properly. The Rheumatrex Injection goes into a muscle and is done weekly or as often as your doctor feels is necessary. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Methotrexate Targets Cells that Grow Rapidly

As a cancer treatment, Rheumatrex Injection works by targeting rapidly growing cells, which are usually the cancer cells, so their ability to divide and reproduce is impaired and the tumor will shrink. Other cells that reproduce rapidly are skin cells, so Rheumatrex Injection treatment may be prescribed if you are dealing with psoriasis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes your skin cell cycle to speed up, so instead of new skin cells being produced every 28-30 days, they are now being made every 3-5 days. This is the reason for the build-up of skin cells on the surface of your skin because the old cells have not had time to shed to slough off.

Rheumatrex Injection Uses

Some people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis are being treated with Rheumatrex Injection, but at a lower dosage than cancer treatments require. This decreases the risk of side effects and is well tolerated as a first-line therapy drug. Methotrexate has been found helpful in relieving pain and inflammation of the affected joints, slowing the disease’s progress, and delays damage to joints so there is less risk of developing a disability.

Before You Are Administered Rheumatrex Injection

Tell your doctor before the Rheumatrex Injection if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding due to the risks of fetal defects and other permanent damage to you and/or your unborn or nursing baby. Your doctor will advise either partner to use effective birth control methods during treatment with Methotrexate and for 3 months after treatment is complete.

Rheumatrex Injection Precautions and Recommendations

Rheumatrex Injection can lower your immune system so try to avoid crowded areas where germs are more likely to be. Keep yourself hydrated or treatment may be stopped temporarily. Take measures to protect your skin from sunlight if you are outdoors, such as applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and long-sleeved top, as you may notice your skin is more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. Keep all lab and doctor appointments so your progress can be monitored during treatment with Methotrexate.

Possible Side Effects of Rheumatrex Injection

• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Mouth sores
• Swollen feet/lower legs

Drugs Similar to Rheumatrex Injection

• Rheumatrex (oral)
• Cytoxan
• Arava