Methotrexate
Injection, An Anti-folate with Anti-Cancer and Immunosuppressant properties
Methotrexate is a member of a therapeutic class of medicines
referred to as Anti-metabolite medication because of the impact they have on
cell growth within the body and is more specifically classified as an
Anti-folate as it’s mechanism of action involves the inhibition of folic acid
metabolism[1]. It also
classified as an immunosuppressant owing to its ability to reduce immune system
activity making it useful in treating autoimmune conditions. Methotrexate is
available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals in a variety of dosage forms and
strengths. It is available in:
·
Tablet dosage form at strengths of 2.5 mg, 7.5
mg and 10 mg
·
Injections at strengths of 5 mg per 2 mL, 50 mg
per 2 mL, 100 mg per 2 mL and as 1000mg per 2mL
This article will focus specifically on the injectable form.
What is Methotrexate
Injection used for?
Methotrexate injection is used either as a mono-therapy or a
poly-therapy in the treatment of a number of different types of cancer as a
result of the large doses of Methotrexate which can be delivered by utilising
the injection dosage form. Types of cancer it used to treat include[2]:
·
Breast cancer, Uterine cancer
·
Head and Neck cancer
·
Lung cancer
·
Blood cancer, Bone cancer
·
Lymph node cancer
When used in this capacity, Methotrexate is considered an
anti-neoplastic medicine and works via interfering with an enzyme and thereby
interfering with cancer cell growth.
Methotrexate injection also has a number of other uses as an
immunosuppressant, including being used in severe psoriasis to control symptoms
which have failed to respond to earlier treatment options, to treat adults with
rheumatoid arthritis and children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic
arthritis.
How does Methotrexate
Injection work?
Methotrexate acts via the inhibition of the enzyme
Dihydrofolate reductase by virtue of the fact that it possesses a higher
affinity for the enzyme than the endogenous dihydrofolate[3].
Intracellular tetrahydrofolate is depleted as a result. The inhibition
Dihydrofolate reductase prevents Tetrahydrofolate generation which therefore
interferes with the synthesis of Thymidylate.
The folate transport system takes Methotrexate up into cells
and converts it to the polyglutamate form. Normal cells which are affected by
high doses of the medication may be “saved” by Folinic acid
Are there any side
effects associated with the use of Methotrexate Injection?
Yes, as with all medication there is a possibility that the
patient may experience side effects. Patients are advised to contact their
doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any questions regarding treatment with
Methotrexate.
Methotrexate is a very toxic medicine and is capable of
causing serious illness or even death so any side effects experienced should be
reported to a doctor.
How is Methotrexate
Injection given?
Methotrexate injections may be administered via a number of
different routes including intravenously (into a vein), intramuscularly (into a
muscle), intraarterially (into an artery) or even intrathecally (into the
spine). It is also given by intravenous infusion (by drip)
The dose of Methotrexate varies with the condition being
treated. A doctor will work out the correct dose of Methotrexate Injection for
the patient and how often it must be given.
Before initialising Methotrexate therapy it is important
that the doctor carries out blood tests in order to obtain cell counts and
assess both hepatic and renal function. A chest x-ray is sometimes also carried
out. Further testing may be required as therapy progresses
Conclusion
Methotrexate Injections, for the treatment of a number of
different types of Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as management of
Severe Psoriasis, are available from Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals at strengths of
5 mg per 2 mL, 50 mg per 2 mL, 100 mg per 2 mL and as 1000mg per 2mL. Always
remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare Professional if you have any
questions about your own health or medications.
Always remember to consult your Doctor or Healthcare
Professional if you have any questions about your own health or medications.
Taj Accura Pharmaceuticals are committed to providing
affordable pharmaceutical care solutions to health providers and patients
globally. Our enthusiastic and highly skilled bi-lingual sales team in English
and French are more than welcome to take your queries. We are contactable by
emailing info@tajaccura.com by phone at + 353 (1) 293 1882 or alternatively by fax
at + 353 (1) 293 1883. Please also visit www.tajaccura.com for further details on our products and services.
[1]
Rossi S. Australian Medicines Handbook: Adelaide: The Australian Medicines
Handbook Unit Trust.; 2013.
[2]
MayoClinic. Methotrexate (Injection Route, Subcutaneous Route) Mayo Foundation
for Medical Education and Research2015.
[3]
HP Rang MD, JM Ritter, RJ Flower, G Henderson. Rang and Dale's Pharmacology 7th
Edition: Elsevier; 2012.
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