Methocel 2.5mg Tablet
 
MANUFACTURER/ MARKETER
Celon Laboratories Ltd
 
SALT COMPOSITION
Methotrexate 2.5 mg Tab
 
Storage
Store below 30°C

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking too much of it can cause serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. You should avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase your risk of liver damage.

The most common side effects of this medicine are ulcerative stomatitis, hairloss, low blood cell count, increased liver enzymes, nausea, and abdominal distress. Your doctor may advise you to take folic acid to reduce some of these. If they do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. There may be ways of preventing or reducing these effects. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, X-rays, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine to check for these.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have problems related to the stomach, liver, or kidney, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may harm the baby.

USES OF METHOCEL TABLET

Treatment of Cancer

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment of Psoriasis

Treatment of Crohn’s disease

BENEFITS OF METHOCEL TABLET

In Treatment of Cancer

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors found in breast, lung, bladder, head and neck as well as cervical, ovarian and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked. It is not a first-line treatment. It works by reducing the body's immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.

In Treatment of Psoriasis

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in your abdomen. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.

SIDE EFFECTS OF METHOCEL TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Methocel

·         Ulcerative stomatitis

·         Nausea

·         Abdominal pain

·         Increased liver enzymes

·         Hair loss

·         Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)

HOW TO USE METHOCEL TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW METHOCEL TABLET WORKS

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis, or damage to bowel in Crohn's disease.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Methocel 2.5mg Tablet.

Pregnancy

UNSAFE

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding

UNSAFE

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney

CAUTION

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.

Liver

CAUTION

Methocel 2.5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Methocel 2.5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE METHOCEL TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Methocel 2.5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.