Methoblastin (Methotrexate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Methoblastin Used For?
Methoblastin contains methotrexate, a powerful medicine used to treat serious conditions when other treatments haven’t worked.
Primary Uses
Methoblastin is used to treat certain types of cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis when these conditions do not improve with other medicines.
How It Works
The medicine works by blocking an enzyme needed by the body’s cells to live. This interferes with the growth of rapidly growing cells in psoriasis and cancer. In rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces the overactivity of the immune system, leading to less pain, swelling, and joint damage.
Serious Medicine: Methoblastin should only be taken for severe disease under constant medical supervision. It is a toxic medicine that can cause severe reactions and death.
How to Take Methoblastin
The exact dose depends on your condition, age, size, and how well your kidneys and liver work. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
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 – do not crush or chew. Check your tablets carefully each time – Methoblastin comes in two strengths.
What If You Miss a Dose?
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 dose.
Critical Dosing Warning: For psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate should only be taken ONCE A WEEK. Taking it more frequently can 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 stomach
- Lack of appetite or weight loss
- Sore mouth (mouth ulcers, blisters)
- Fatigue, generally feeling unwell
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headaches
- Blurred vision, sore eyes
- Ringing in ears
- Low blood cell counts
- Skin rash, itchiness
- Hair loss
- Tiredness, looking pale (anemia signs)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (shortness of breath, swelling, rash)
- Sore throat, fever, chills, body aches
- Severe skin rash with blistering
- Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, breathlessness
- Spitting or coughing blood
- Skin rash and fever with swollen glands
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Loss of coordination, speech problems, weakness, paralysis
- Convulsions or fits
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat
- Signs of stroke or blood clots
- Temporary blindness
- Severe infection signs
Important Warnings
Methoblastin has serious risks and should not be taken by certain people or in certain situations.
Who Should Not Take Methoblastin
Do not take if you: are allergic to methotrexate, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe kidney or liver problems, are an alcoholic, have lowered immunity, bone marrow disease, blood disorders, low iron (anemia), infectious diseases, are receiving live vaccines, or are 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 or liver problems, lung problems, diabetes, low folate levels, blood disorders, immune system disorders, infections, stomach ulcers, or lactose intolerance. Your doctor may need blood tests, chest x-rays, and other monitoring before and during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Methoblastin can cause birth defects, harm unborn children, or cause miscarriage. Both you and your partner must use reliable contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after stopping (men) or 6 months after stopping (women). Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine as it passes into breast milk.
Blood and Organ Monitoring: Methotrexate can cause blood disorders and liver toxicity. Regular blood tests and liver monitoring are essential during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Methoblastin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
NSAIDs Warning: Taking NSAIDs (pain relievers like ibuprofen) with methotrexate can result in serious side effects affecting blood, stomach, or gut and may lead to death.
- Some antibiotics
- Sulphonylureas (diabetes medicines)
- Para-aminobenzoic acid
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Phenytoin (epilepsy medicine)
- Ciclosporin and azathioprine (transplant medicines)
- Vitamin supplements containing folic acid or folinic acid
- 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)
- Other cancer medicines
- Sulfasalazine
- Liver-damaging medicines
- Retinoids (acitretin)
- Pyrimethamine (malaria medicine)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Methoxsalen (PUVA therapy)
Alcohol & Driving
Methoblastin can affect your ability to drive and interact dangerously with alcohol.
Alcohol
You must not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase side effects and cause liver damage.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Methoblastin affects you. The medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or tiredness that can affect your alertness.
Storage
Store Methoblastin in a cool, dry place protected from light where temperature stays below 25°C. Keep in original container away from heat and dampness. Do not store in bathroom or near sink. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
Overdoses of methotrexate can cause serious illness or death. If you take too much, you need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone 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
For psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, Methoblastin should be taken ONCE A WEEK on the same day each week. Taking it more frequently can cause serious reactions and death.
No, you must not drink alcohol while taking Methoblastin. Alcohol may increase the side effects 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 dose.
Yes, your doctor will need to do regular blood tests to check your liver, kidneys, and blood cell counts before and during treatment, as Methoblastin can affect these.
No, Methoblastin can cause birth defects and miscarriage. Both you and your partner must use reliable contraception during treatment and for 3-6 months after stopping treatment.
Methoblastin increases your sensitivity to sunlight and can cause severe skin reactions, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Always wear protective clothing and high-factor sunscreen when outdoors.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a dry, non-productive cough or shortness of breath. These may be signs of lung damage, and your doctor will stop treatment and monitor you closely.
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.