Imutrex (methotrexate) is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancers. It is also used to treat various autoimmune diseases and, less commonly, in combination with misoprostol to aid with with abortion.

Imutrex comes in tablets. Dosage is always individualized and is not possible to summarize. It can be used in children with doctor involvement. Treatment is typically once or twice per week for several months. As a general rule dosage is higher for cancer patients and lower for autoimmune disorders, but there are exceptions.

All patients should speak with a doctor familiar with chemotherapy for the ideal dosage and duration of treatment, and follow instructions closely. Do not exceed dosage strength or frequency. If too much Imutrex is taken emergency medical attention is warranted.

While this product is very good at producing positive results in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, it is not a guarantee that the conditions will be completely resolved.

Treating Cancer

Imutrex combats cancer by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is necessary for cancer cells to divide and multiply. Without it, cancer cells cannot grow and are eventually eliminated. Note that Imutrex is not suitable for all cancers or for all patients; again, a doctor should be consulted.

Imutrex is often used to help treat:

• Trophoblastic neoplasms
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Lung cancer
• Throat cancer
• Head cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphona
• Osteosarcoma

There are numerous factors which influence treatment, not the least of which is the type of cancer. Age of the patient is also important, as are other medical conditions present and other medications being given. Treatment with Imutrex varies from once per week to every day for 4 or 5 days, with a week or 10 day break before resuming treatment.

Imutrex is not always the preferred treatment, but may be given when other medications are unsuitable. Other medications are often given along with Imutrex to further combat the cancer, but there are exceptions.

Treating Autoimmune Diseases

It is not clear how exactly Imutrex helps with autoimmune diseases; it is thought to stimulate the immune system. It does improve pain, mobility, and stops bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, and reduces symptoms of many other autoimmune disorders.

Imutrex may be used to help manage:

• Sarcoidosis
• Lupus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Crohn's disease
• Juvenile dermatomyositis
• Eczema
• Vasculitits
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Again it is not always the preferred treatment, and it is usually reserved for very severe cases or cases that don't respond to lesser treatments. While it is very good at treating autoimmune disorders, it is also very good at producing adverse effects. It is a balancing act, which is why doctor involvement is so important.

Inducing Abortion

Women sometimes use Imutrex to help induce an abortion. While this product does increase odds, it is misoprostol which predominantly induces abortion. Patients interested in Imutrex for this purpose should first read about misoprostol.

Note that inducing abortion on one's own is dangerous. If unwilling or unable to seek medical assistance, patients are strongly encouraged to have a close friend or family member around in case of complications.

Who Should Not Take Imutrex

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should generally avoid this product unless the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, which can include fetal death. Consult a doctor.

Patients with preexisting kidney or liver damage should be carefully evaluated prior to taking Imutrex. It may not be suitable.

Patients with preexisting malignancy should be properly evaluated and diagnosed to ensure Imutrex is an appropriate therapy for their particular cancer type and progression.

Side Effects

Because Imutrex is typically used to treat only very serious and resistant diseases, it can be difficult to distinguish which side effects are a result of Imutrex therapy and which are developments of the underlying condition.

The most common side effects are:

• Nausea
• Gastric distress
• Leukopenia
• Ulcerative stomatitis
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Chills
• Reduced resistance to infection

Other reactions include, but are not limited to, osteonecrosis, soft tissue necrosis, tumor lysis syndrome, reversible lymphoma, loss of libido, diabetes, osteoporosis, vasculitis, arthralgia, myalgia, nodulosis, tinnitus, and sudden death.

Patients taking Imutrex have sometimes developed fatal opportunistic infections most commonly associated with pneumocystic carinii pneumonia.

The above list of potential side effects is not complete. Consult the insert included with the medication for the most current and comprehensive list available.