| Generic name | Methotrexate |
| Pronunciation | meth-oh-TREK-sate |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Rheumatrex®, Trexall® |
| Drug type | Antimetabolite |
| How the drug is given | By mouth |
Indications and Usage
Methotrexate is FDA approved, alone or with other drugs, to treat people who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that has spread to the central nervous system (CNS) or to prevent ALL from spreading to the CNS. It is also FDA approved to treat people who have advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma and advanced mycosis fungoides. It may also be used to treat people with other types of blood cancer.
Side effects needing medical attention
Black, tarry stools; bloody vomit; diarrhea; sores in mouth or on lips; stomach pain; fever; chills; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in urine or dark urine; blurred vision; confusion; convulsions or seizures; cough; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; joint pain; shortness of breath; rash; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of eyes and skin; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting. The above side effects may be more likely to occur in very young and very old patients.
Side effects needing medical attention after stopping this medication
Blurred vision; convulsions or seizures; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; confusion; unusual tiredness or weakness.
| Generic name | Methotrexate |
| Pronunciation | meth-oh-TREK-sate |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | XatmepTM |
| Drug type | Folate analog metabolic inhibitor |
| How the drug is given | Oral solution |
Indications and Usage
Xatmep is FDA approved for the treatment of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as a component of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen.
Side effects needing medical attention
Most common adverse reactions are: ulcerative stomatitis, leukopenia (lower amount of white blood cells), nausea, abdominal distress, and elevated liver function tests. Other frequently reported adverse reactions are a general feeling of discomfort or illness with unknown cause, fatigue, chills and fever, dizziness and decreased resistance to infection.
Warning: Secondary malignancies can occur, immunizations may be ineffective and it may cause impairment of fertility, oligospermia (semen with a low concentration of sperm) and menstrual dysfunction.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.