Trexall (methotrexate) is a chemotherapy and immunosuppresive medication, used in the treatment of cancer, various autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.

The medication is commonly used as an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancers, such as:

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

The medication works by slowing or stopping the growth and expansion of cancer cells.

Another common use of Trexall in low doses is the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including, but not limited to:

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

Early treatment with Trexall in conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis helps retain joint function and reduce joint damage.

The medication has also been used as an abortifacient, usually with misoprostol, to terminate early pregnancies.

Treatment Overview

Dosage is generally high when used to treat cancer and low to treat other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases; dosage is, however, dependent upon many factors and there may be exceptions.

A physician should always be contacted for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and dosage instructions; it is not possible for us to give general guidelines for Trexall, given the wide assortment of very serious conditions it treats.

That said, Trexall does offer some unique and highly-beneficial aspects to treatment:

• Demonstrated to have produced complete remission in multiple types of cancer.
• Slows or stops disease course in many autoimmune diseases.
• Improves pain, mobility, and stops bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Taking each dose with a full glass of fluids is recommended, to help the kidneys filter it out.

In the event of overdose, contact a physician or Poison Control Center immediately. Leucovorin is typically administered in the event of overdose to diminish toxicity.

Warnings before Use

Trexall should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers.

This product should be used only with caution in patients with preexisting kidney and/or liver damage after comprehensive evaluation.

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

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

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

Patients receiving Trexall therapy have sometimes developed fatal opportunistic infections, most commonly Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations for the duration of treatment with Trexall; likewise do not come into contact with people who have recently had live vaccinations.

The above list of potential side effects is not complete; a doctor or the insert included with each product will provide the most current and comprehensive list available.