Description
Overview
INTRODUCTION
Folitrax 15 Tablet is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis where it can prevent further joint damage. It is also used to treat severe forms of a skin disease called psoriasis by killing cells in the skin which are growing too quickly.
Folitrax 15 Tablet may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it too much can cause very 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 drinking alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver damage.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, tiredness, and mouth sores. 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. It is a very strong medicine and some people may develop serious side effects while taking it. This medicine may lower your ability to fight infections and lead to problems with your blood, liver, or kidneys. Your doctor will advise you regular blood tests to check for these.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, 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. It may harm your baby. You and your partner should avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child for several months after your treatment with it has stopped. Your doctor may perform several tests such as blood tests, x-rays, and physical examinations both before and during treatment with this medicine.
USES OF FOLITRAX TABLET
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
BENEFITS OF FOLITRAX TABLET
In Rheumatoid arthritis
Folitrax 15 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 Psoriasis
Folitrax 15 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. Folitrax 15 Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is a 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.
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SIDE EFFECTS OF FOLITRAX 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 Folitrax
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Mouth sore
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
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Coping with Abdominal painIn most cases, this is mild enough to be treated at home. Try to rest and relax. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. Having a warm bath or shower can help you relax and relieve the pain. Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water and reduce your intake of coffee, tea, lemon juice or soda. Avoid alcohol and smoking as these can aggravate the pain. Eating slowly and having smaller and more frequent meals can also help. If the pain is severe, speak to your doctor. They may be able to guide you better.
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Coping with IndigestionTry taking your medicine with a meal or snack, or shortly after eating. It might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, and to eat and drink slowly. Avoid foods which can irritate your stomach such as carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, fatty and spicy foods, mints and citrus fruits. Quit smoking and alcohol because they increase the symptoms. Do not eat for 3 or 4 hours before going to bed. Try raising the head of your bed at night or use extra pillows. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that may help, such as antacids, if your condition does not improve.
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Coping with Loss of appetiteIt is important to eat, even if you do not feel like it. You might try switching to smaller meals and frequent snacks. Try eating healthy and nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. It is important to drink even if you cannot eat. But, do not fill your stomach with liquid before eating. Eat when you are most hungry. Exercise such as a short walk may also increase your appetite. Talk to your doctor about possible medication or supplements if your condition does not improve.
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Coping with NauseaYou can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
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Coping with VomitingYou can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve.
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Coping with TirednessMake sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your energy levels up. Do not drink too much alcohol. Do not drive or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Other things that can help include doing some gentle exercise every day, prioritizing and pacing your activities and having a short nap if you need to. If you are still having problems after a week, speak to your doctor, as they may want to change you to a different type of medicine.
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Coping with Mouth soreAvoiding things that irritate your ulcer will help speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and reduce its chances of coming back. Keep your mouth hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and clean by rinsing it regularly with warm and slightly salted water. Eat softer foods and drink cold drinks through a straw. Try to avoid foods that are very hot, spicy, sour (acidic) or salty and rough, crunchy foods like potato chips or toast. Do not use chewing gum and do not smoke or drink alcohol. Keep your mouth clean using a soft-bristled toothbrush and get regular dental check-ups. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or lasts more than a few days.
HOW TO USE FOLITRAX 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. Folitrax 15 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW FOLITRAX TABLET WORKS
Folitrax 15 Tablet is an immunosuppressant. In rheumatoid arthritis, it works by decreasing the activity of the body’s immune system. This decreases swelling, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves function. In psoriasis, it works by slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Folitrax 15 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Folitrax 15 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.
Breastfeeding
UNSAFE
Folitrax 15 Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Folitrax 15 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Folitrax 15 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Folitrax 15 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Folitrax 15 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Folitrax 15 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Folitrax 15 Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Use of Folitrax 15 Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
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