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Brand name: Methoblastin TM

Active ingredients: methotrexate

What it is used for

Treatment of breast cancer, gestational choriocarcinoma, and in patients with chorioadenoma destruens and hydatidiform mole. Palliation of acute and subacute lymphocytic leukaemia. Greatest effect has been observed in palliation of acute lymphoblastic (stem cell) leukaemias. In combination with corticosteroids, methotrexate may be used for induction of remission. The drug is now most commonly used for the maintenance of induced remissions. Methoblastin is also effective in the treatment of the advanced stages (III and IV, Peters Staging System) of lymphosarcoma, particularly in children and in advanced cases of mycosis fungoides. PSORIASIS CHEMOTHERAPY: (See WARNINGS box and Section 4.4). Because of the high risk attending to its use, Methoblastin is only indicated in the symptomatic control of severe, recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis which is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy, but only when the diagnosis has been established, as by biopsy and/or after dermatologic consultations. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CHEMOTHERAPY: (See WARNINGS box and Section 4.4). Management of severe, recalcitrant, active rheumatoid arthritis in adults not responding to, or intolerant of, an adequate trial of NSAIDs and one or more disease modifying drugs. Aspirin, NSAIDs and/or low dose steroids may be continued, although the possibility of increased toxicity with concomitant use of NSAIDs including salicylate has not been fully explored. (see Section 4.4, and 4.5). Steroids may be reduced gradually in patients who respond to methotrexate. Combined use of methotrexate with gold, penicillamine, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine or cytotoxic agents has not been studied and may increase the incidence of adverse effects. Rest and physiotherapy as indicated should be continued.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Methoblastin 10 mg strength tablets are yellow, capsule shaped, convex tablets with a length of 14 mm and width of 6 mm, embossed with ORN 59 on one side and scored on the other side.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient methotrexate

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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