Chexate™

Read the CMI leaflet (Opens in new tab) for facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.

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Antineoplastic chemotherapy 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. CHEXATE 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, CHEXATE 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.

Source: ARTG

• Shelf lifetime is 36 Months
• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Protect from Light

Source: ARTG

Non-composite pack

This medicine contains one component only.

Component

• Tablet, uncoated
• Oral
• Yellow, capsule-shaped, convex, uncoated tablet, engraved with ORN 59 on one side and score on other side, length of 14 mm and width of 6 mm

Source: ARTG

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.?What is the medicines and poisons schedule?

All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’. You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.

• 10
• 15
• 50

Source: ARTG

This medicine was verified as available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 August 2026, under PBS item code 14643Q (Opens in new tab). Ask your pharmacist or doctor about your eligibility

Source: PBS

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.

Source: AHT

If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)

Source: ARTG

Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).