Methotrexate
Methotrexate EVER Pharma contains the active substance methotrexate, which works by:
Methotrexate EVER Pharma is used to treat:
Methotrexate EVER Pharma, used to treat rheumatic diseases or skin diseases, should only be administered once a week. Dosing errors during methotrexate treatment can cause severe side effects, including death. You should read section 3 of this leaflet very carefully. If you have any questions, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Before starting treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, you should discuss it with your doctor if:
If the patient, their partner, or caregiver notices new onset or worsening of neurological symptoms, including general muscle weakness, vision disturbances, changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to disorientation and personality changes, they should contact their doctor immediately, as these may be symptoms of a very rare, serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Methotrexate temporarily affects sperm production and ovulation. Methotrexate may cause miscarriage and severe birth defects in the fetus. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while taking methotrexate and for at least six months after treatment. Men should avoid fatherhood during methotrexate treatment and for at least three months after treatment. See also "Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility". During treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, there may be a recurrence of radiation-induced skin inflammation (radiation dermatitis) or sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation during Methotrexate EVER Pharma therapy may exacerbate psoriatic skin lesions. During methotrexate treatment, cases of acute pulmonary bleeding have been reported in patients with underlying rheumatologic disease. If the patient experiences hemoptysis (coughing up blood), they should consult their doctor immediately. A side effect of Methotrexate EVER Pharma may be diarrhea, which requires discontinuation of treatment. In case of diarrhea, the patient should consult their doctor. In patients receiving low doses of methotrexate, lymph node enlargement (lymphoma) may occur. In such cases, treatment should be discontinued. Recommended tests and precautions Even with low doses of methotrexate, severe side effects may occur. To detect these effects early, the doctor must perform tests and laboratory tests. Before starting treatment: Before starting treatment, the doctor will prescribe blood tests to check if the patient has a sufficient number of blood cells to receive the medicine. The doctor will also prescribe blood tests to check liver function and to determine if there is hepatitis. Additionally, blood tests will be performed to check the serum albumin level (a protein in the blood), the degree of liver inflammation (liver infection), and kidney function. The doctor may also decide to perform other liver tests, some of which may be liver imaging tests, and others may require taking a small tissue sample from the liver for further examination. The doctor may also check if the patient has tuberculosis and prescribe a chest X-ray or lung function tests. During treatment: The doctor may prescribe the following tests:
It is very important for the patient to attend all scheduled blood tests. If the result of any of these tests is abnormal, the doctor will adjust the treatment accordingly.
Methotrexate EVER Pharma is not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age due to insufficient experience in this age group. During treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, children, adolescents, and the elderly should be under close medical supervision to detect any potential side effects as early as possible. In the elderly, a relatively low dose of methotrexate should be used due to impaired liver and kidney function and reduced folate reserves that occur with age.
The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take, including those that are available without a prescription, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements, such as vitamins. It is especially important to inform the doctor about the use of:
During treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, the patient should not drink alcohol and should also avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee, caffeinated beverages, and black tea, as they may enhance the side effects or affect the efficacy of Methotrexate EVER Pharma. During treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, the patient should drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration (reduced water in the body) may enhance the toxic effects of Methotrexate EVER Pharma.
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Pregnancy Do not use Methotrexate EVER Pharma if the patient is pregnant or plans to become pregnant. Methotrexate may cause birth defects, harm the unborn child, or cause miscarriage. It may cause defects of the skull, face, heart, blood vessels, brain, and limbs. Therefore, it is very important not to use methotrexate in pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant. In women of childbearing age, pregnancy should be ruled out before starting treatment, e.g., by performing a pregnancy test. The patient should avoid becoming pregnant during methotrexate treatment and for at least six months after treatment. During this time, effective methods of preventing pregnancy should be used (see also "Warnings and precautions"). If the woman becomes pregnant during treatment or thinks she may be pregnant, she should consult her doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will advise the patient on the risk associated with treatment. If the patient plans to become pregnant, the treating doctor may refer her for specialist consultation before planned treatment. Breastfeeding Do not breastfeed during treatment, as methotrexate passes into breast milk. If the treating doctor considers methotrexate treatment essential at this time, breastfeeding should be discontinued. Male fertility Available data do not indicate an increased risk of birth defects or miscarriage when the father is taking methotrexate at doses less than 30 mg per week. However, the risk cannot be entirely ruled out. Methotrexate may have genotoxic effects, meaning it may cause genetic changes. Methotrexate may affect sperm production, potentially causing birth defects. Therefore, patients treated with methotrexate should avoid fatherhood or donating sperm during treatment and for at least three months after treatment.
During treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma, side effects from the central nervous system, such as fatigue and dizziness, may occur, which may affect the ability to drive vehicles and/or operate machines. If the patient feels tired or dizzy, they should not drive vehicles or operate machines.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per pre-filled syringe, which means the medicine is considered "sodium-free".
In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, active juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriasis, Methotrexate EVER Pharma should be used only once a week. Using more Methotrexate EVER Pharma may result in death. You should read section 3 of this leaflet very carefully. If you have any questions, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. This medicine should always be used as directed by the doctor. If you are unsure, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Methotrexate EVER Pharma is administered only once a week. Together with the doctor, you should choose a suitable day of the week for the injection. Incorrect use of Methotrexate EVER Pharma may lead to severe side effects, which may result in death. The recommended dose is: Dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis The recommended initial dose is 7.5 mg of methotrexate once a week. If the dose used is not effective and the patient tolerates the medicine well, the doctor may increase the dose by 2.5 mg per week. The average weekly dose of methotrexate is 15-20 mg. In general, the weekly dose should not exceed 25 mg. After achieving the desired therapeutic effect, the doctor may gradually reduce the dose of Methotrexate EVER Pharma to the smallest effective maintenance dose. The expected response to treatment usually occurs after 4-8 weeks of treatment. After discontinuing Methotrexate EVER Pharma, symptoms may return. Use in children and adolescents (aged 3 and older) with polyarticular forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis The doctor will calculate the required dose based on the child's body surface area (m2). The dose is expressed as mg/m2 body surface area. Methotrexate EVER Pharma is not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age due to insufficient experience in this age group. Adults with severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis The doctor will administer a single test dose of 2.5-5 mg to assess potential toxic effects. If the test dose is well tolerated, treatment will be continued after one week with a dose of approximately 7.5 mg (for an adult with an average body weight of 70 kg). In general, the weekly dose should not exceed 25 mg. After achieving the desired therapeutic effect, the doctor may gradually reduce the dose of Methotrexate EVER Pharma to the smallest effective maintenance dose. The expected response to treatment usually occurs after 2-6 weeks. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the results of blood and urine tests, treatment should be continued or discontinued. In the elderly, a relatively low dose of methotrexate should be used due to impaired liver and kidney function and reduced folate reserves that occur with age. Method of administration and duration of treatment Methotrexate EVER Pharma is administered by subcutaneous injection. The medicine should only be used for injection once a week. It is recommended to perform injections of Methotrexate EVER Pharma on the same day of the week. At the beginning of treatment, Methotrexate EVER Pharma may be administered by medical personnel. However, the doctor may decide that the patient is able to learn how to self-administer Methotrexate EVER Pharma. The patient will be properly trained in this regard. Never attempt to self-administer the medicine without prior training.
If the patient has difficulty handling the syringe, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist. Do not attempt to self-administer the injection if the patient has not been properly trained on how to do it. If the patient is unsure, they should immediately contact their doctor or nurse.
The Methotrexate EVER Pharma pre-filled syringe has a needle protection system that prevents needlestick injury after use. The following instructions apply to pre-filled syringes equipped with this system and may differ from instructions for other injection systems.
If the syringe still contains liquid, it means that not all of the medicine was injected correctly, and the patient should consult their doctor.
Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not come into contact with Methotrexate EVER Pharma. The duration of treatment is determined by the treating doctor. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis requires long-term use of Methotrexate EVER Pharma. If the patient feels that the effect of Methotrexate EVER Pharma is too strong or too weak, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
The patient should use the dose recommended by their doctor. The dose should not be changed without the doctor's recommendation. If the patient suspects that they have used more Methotrexate EVER Pharma than they should have, they should immediately contact their doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Patients who visit their doctor or hospital should bring the medicine packaging and leaflet with them. Methotrexate overdose can cause severe toxic reactions. Symptoms of overdose may include easy bruising or bleeding, unexplained weakness, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomiting coffee grounds, and decreased urine output. See also section 4.
The patient should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. They should consult their doctor for advice.
The patient should not stop or discontinue treatment with Methotrexate EVER Pharma without consulting their doctor. If they suspect severe side effects, they should immediately consult their doctor. If the patient has any further doubts about using this medicine, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Methotrexate EVER Pharma can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on the dose and frequency of administration of the medicine. Since severe side effects may occur even with low doses, regular medical check-ups are necessary. The treating doctor should prescribe tests and laboratory tests to rule out abnormalities in blood parameters (e.g., low white blood cell count, low platelet count, and lymphoma) and changes in the liver and kidneys. The patient should immediately inform their doctorif they experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate severe, potentially life-threatening side effects that require immediate treatment:
The following side effects have also been reported: Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Unknown(frequency cannot be estimated from available data):
Subcutaneous administration of methotrexate is locally well tolerated. Only mild skin reactions (such as burning, redness, swelling, discoloration, severe itching, pain) have been observed after administration of Methotrexate EVER Pharma, which decrease during treatment.
If side effects occur, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, the patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181 C, 02-222 Warsaw, phone: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
The medicine should be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. Do not store in the refrigerator or freeze. Store the pre-filled syringe in the outer packaging to protect it from light. Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the label of the pre-filled syringe and the carton after: Expiration date. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month stated. Do not use this medicine if you notice that the syringe is damaged or if the solution is not clear and contains precipitated particles. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 7.5 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.3 mL of the solution for injection contains 7.5 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 10 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.4 mL of the solution for injection contains 10 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 12.5 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.5 mL of the solution for injection contains 12.5 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 15 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.6 mL of the solution for injection contains 15 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 17.5 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.7 mL of the solution for injection contains 17.5 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 20 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.8 mL of the solution for injection contains 20 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 22.5 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 0.9 mL of the solution for injection contains 22.5 mg of methotrexate. Methotrexate EVER Pharma, 25 mg Each pre-filled syringe with 1 mL of the solution for injection contains 25 mg of methotrexate.
Methotrexate EVER Pharma is available in 1 mL pre-filled syringes made of colorless glass (type I), with a fixed stainless steel needle, closed with a bromobutyl rubber stopper, and a needle protection system. The pre-filled syringes are equipped with a protection system that prevents needlestick injury after use. Blister pack of PET foil. The following pack sizes are available, with syringes in one carton: 1 pre-filled syringe in a blister pack 4 pre-filled syringes in two double blister packs 12 pre-filled syringes in six double blister packs Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
EVER Valinject GmbH Oberburgau 3 4866 Unterach am Attersee Austria
EVER Pharma Jena GmbH Otto-Schott-Strasse 15 07745 Jena Germany
EVER Pharma Poland Sp. z o.o. e-mail: office.pl@everpharma.com
Germany: Methotrexat EVER Pharma 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg, 20 mg, 22.5 mg, 25 mg Injektionslösung in einer Fertigspritze Poland: Methotrexate EVER Pharma Czech Republic: Methotrexát EVER Pharma Slovakia: Metotrexát EVER Pharma 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 17.5 mg, 20 mg, 22.5 mg, 25 mg injekčný roztok vnaplnenej injekčnej striekačke
Date of last revision of the leaflet:21.07.2023
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