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Brand name: Methotrexate (Pfizer (Perth)) TM

Active ingredients: methotrexate

What it is used for

Antineoplastic chemotherapy - Treatment of breast cancer, gestational choriocarcinoma and in patients with chorioadenoma destruens and hydatidiform mole. Palliation of acute and subacute lymphocytic and meningeal leukaemia. Greatest effect has been observed in palliation of acute lymphoblastic (stem cell) leukaemia. 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. Methotrexate 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. High dose therapy - The use of very high doses is made possible by vials for injection containing 500 mg and 1000 mg (See Precautions). Diseases treated with these doses administered in the form of single-drug or combination therapy, include osteogenic sarcoma, acute leukaemia, bronchogenic carcinoma and epidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck. Psoriasis chemotherapy (See WARNINGS box and Precautions). - Because of the high risk attending to its use, Methotrexate Injection 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.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 2 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

Clear yellow solution free from visible particulate matter.

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.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


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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