Methoblastin Blister (Methotrexate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Methoblastin Blister Used For?
Methoblastin contains methotrexate and is prescribed for serious medical conditions when other treatments haven’t worked effectively.
Primary Uses
Methoblastin treats severe rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis (a skin condition) when other treatments have failed. It’s also used to treat certain types of cancers.
How It Works
The medicine works by blocking an enzyme that body cells need to survive. This interferes with rapidly growing cells in psoriasis and cancer. For rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces immune system overactivity, leading to less pain, swelling, and joint damage.
Severe Disease Only: Methoblastin should only be taken for severe disease and when a diagnosis has been made. It is a toxic medicine which can cause severe reactions and death.
How to Take Methoblastin Blister
Your dose depends on your condition, medical status, age, size, and how well your kidneys and liver work. Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions.
Dosage Instructions
For rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis: Take ONCE A WEEK on the same day each week. For cancer: Take at the same time of day only on days specified by your doctor. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – don’t crush or chew them. Methoblastin comes in two different strengths, so always check you have the correct one.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Critical Dosing Warning: For psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate should only be taken ONCE A WEEK. Taking it more frequently may cause serious reactions and death.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Stomach pain or upset
- Lack of appetite, weight loss
- Mouth sores, ulcers, blisters
- Fatigue, feeling unwell
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches
- Blurred vision, sore eyes
- Ringing in ears
- Skin rash, itchiness
- Hair loss
- Low blood cell counts
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (shortness of breath, swelling, rash)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, body aches)
- Severe skin reactions with blistering
- Persistent cough, breathing difficulties
- Spitting or coughing blood
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat
- Swelling of hands, ankles, feet
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Loss of coordination, speech problems
- Weakness, paralysis
- Seizures or fits
- Temporary blindness
- Signs of stroke
- Severe bleeding or bruising
Important Warnings
Methoblastin has serious risks and requires constant medical supervision. Several conditions prevent its use entirely.
Who Should Not Take Methoblastin Blister
Don’t take if you’re allergic to methotrexate, pregnant, breastfeeding, have severe kidney or liver problems, are alcoholic, have lowered immunity, bone marrow disease, blood disorders, low iron (anemia), infectious diseases, are receiving live vaccines, or taking vitamin A derivatives. For psoriasis/arthritis treatment, also avoid if you have stomach ulcers or ulcerative colitis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems (including hepatitis B or C), lung problems, diabetes, low folate levels, blood disorders, immune system disorders, infections, fever, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or lactose/galactose intolerance.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Methoblastin can cause birth defects, harm unborn children, or cause miscarriage. Both partners must use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after stopping (men) or 6 months after stopping (women). Don’t breastfeed while taking this medicine as it passes into breast milk.
Blood Monitoring Required: Your doctor will regularly test your blood, liver, and kidneys before and during treatment. You may also need chest x-rays and physical examinations.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interfere with Methoblastin and affect how it works, sometimes causing serious or life-threatening effects.
NSAID Interaction: Taking NSAIDs (pain/inflammation medicines) with methotrexate can result in serious side effects affecting blood, stomach, or gut and may lead to death.
- Some antibiotics
- Sulfonylureas (diabetes medicines)
- Para-aminobenzoic acid
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- Ciclosporin and azathioprine (transplant medicines)
- Folic acid or folinic acid vitamin supplements
- NSAIDs and salicylates (aspirin, pain relievers)
- Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Allopurinol and probenecid (gout medicines)
- Theophylline (asthma medicine)
- Cholestyramine (cholesterol medicine)
- Amiodarone (heart medicine)
- Cancer treatment medicines
- Sulfasalazine
- Liver-damaging medicines
- Retinoids (skin medicines like acitretin)
- Pyrimethamine (malaria medicine)
- Proton pump inhibitors (stomach ulcer medicines)
- Methoxsalen (PUVA therapy medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Methoblastin affects your ability to drive safely and you must completely avoid alcohol during treatment.
Alcohol
You must not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase side effects and cause liver damage.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know how Methoblastin affects you. It may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or tiredness that can affect your alertness and safety.
Storage
Store Methoblastin in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep tablets in the original carton to protect from light. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, on windowsills, or in cars as heat and dampness can damage the medicine. Keep in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters high, away from children.
Overdose Information
Overdoses of methotrexate can cause serious illness or death and require urgent medical attention. If you take too much, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to work varies depending on your condition. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments and blood tests to check how well the medicine is working for you.
The medicine information doesn’t specify food restrictions. Take the tablets with a full glass of water as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to take it in relation to meals.
No, Methoblastin is not addictive. However, it’s a toxic medicine that requires careful medical supervision and should only be used for severe diseases when other treatments haven’t worked.
Don’t stop taking Methoblastin without consulting your doctor. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will advise you on how to safely discontinue the medication when appropriate.
No, you must not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Methoblastin and cause liver damage.
If you forget to take a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one. For rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, remember it’s only taken once a week.
Methotrexate can cause problems with your blood, liver, and kidneys. Your doctor needs to do regular blood tests to check for these problems and ensure the medicine is safe for you to continue taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.