Folitrax 15 Tablet

Folitrax-15 Tablet is a medication containing methotrexate, used to treat various conditions. These include active rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile forms, severe psoriasis, and severe psoriatic arthritis. It's also employed in cancer treatment, either alone or in combination with other therapies, for conditions like breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides, and advanced-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Methotrexate works by modulating the immune system. In rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces inflammation and joint damage, while in psoriasis, it suppresses the overactive immune response. In cancer, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Common side effects of Folitrax-15 Tablet may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, tingling sensations, low white blood cell count, and mouth sores. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist. Folitrax-15 Tablet should be taken precisely as prescribed.

Daily intake beyond the recommended dosage can lead to serious toxicity. Avoid alcohol consumption during treatment. This medication is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It may cause dizziness and fatigue, so driving while under its influence should be avoided unless you feel alert. Regular blood tests, as well as kidney and liver function tests, may be recommended by your doctor to monitor your health. It's essential to inform your doctor about all other medications and your overall health condition to minimize the risk of potential side effects or drug interactions.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose of Folitrax 15 tablet include nausea, vomiting and mouth ulcers. If you think you have taken too much of Folitrax 15 tablet, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed taking any dose of the Folitrax 15 tablet, then take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Folitrax 15 tablet stops or reduces inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by altering the body’s defences.
• In patients with psoriasis, Folitrax 15 tablet acts by killing the cells in the skin, which are growing too quickly. It is these fast-growing cells, which cause the raised patches of skin in psoriasis.

Directions for Use

• Take Folitrax 15 tablet as a whole with sufficient water.
• Do not chew, crush or break it.
• Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not consume more than the prescribed dose.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Folitrax 15 tablets during pregnancy?

Folitrax 15 tablet is contraindicated for use in pregnancy. Women who are capable of becoming pregnant should use effective methods of birth control during treatment with Folitrax 15 tablet.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Folitrax 15 tablets while breastfeeding?

Folitrax 15 tablet is contraindicated for use in breastfeeding women.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Folitrax 15 tablet?

Folitrax 15 tablet may cause tiredness and dizziness. If you experience any such effects after taking this medicine that may affect your ability to drive safely, it is suggested to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Folitrax 15 tablets?

No, the consumption of alcohol is contraindicated during treatment with Folitrax 15 tablet.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any medical conditions like blood disorder, kidney disorder, intestinal disorder, lung disease or brain-related disorder.
• You have mouth ulcers.
• You have diabetes or are being treated with insulin.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to methotrexate or any of the ingredients of Folitrax 15 tablet.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have liver or kidney disorders.
• If you have low levels of white blood cells and platelets.
• If you recently had an injection of live vaccines.
• If you have mouth ulcers.
• If you drink alcohol/alcoholic beverages regularly.

Side effects

• Stomach discomfort
• Mouth ulcers
• Hair loss
• Irritation in eyes
• Allergies

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Folitrax 15 tablet works, or Folitrax 15 tablet itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines if taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking medicines to treat diabetes (metformin), pain (phenylbutazone), fluid accumulation (furosemide), bacterial infection (tetracycline), fits/seizures (phenytoin), cancer (doxorubicin), gout (probenecid).

Interactions with food items

Folitrax can be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time each day.

Storage and disposal

• Store Folitrax 15 tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I let my healthcare provider know before using Folitrax 15 tablet?

Before using Folitrax 15 tablet, it is advisable to inform your doctor about your complete medical history, any history of alcoholism and all medicines, including non-prescription medicines, herbals, or supplements that you are taking.

Can the overdose of Folitrax 15 tablet lead to fatality?

Prolonged use and overdose of Folitrax 15 tablet can lead to severe liver damage and irreversible scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), which may be fatal. Hence, you should always take this medicine in the exact dose and quantity as directed by the doctor.

How long will it take to feel better with the intake of Folitrax 15 tablet?

The time it will take for Folitrax 15 tablet to work depends on your signs and symptoms of the disease and your age. Ask your doctor for advice on the same.

How many times should I take Folitrax 15 tablet in a day?

You should take Folitrax 15 tablet in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.

Is Folitrax 15 tablet available in any other form?

Yes, Folitrax 15 tablet is available in the form of liquid syrup.

Is Folitrax 15 tablet a painkiller medicine?

No, Folitrax 15 tablet is not a painkiller. It is an immunosuppressant medicine that is used to stop or reduce the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and treat psoriasis.

How should I take Folitrax 15 tablet?

• Take Folitrax 15 tablet as a whole with sufficient water.
• Do not chew, crush or break it.
• Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not consume more than the prescribed dose.