Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about taking this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
WARNING: Important safety information is provided in a boxed warning in the
full CMI. Read before taking this medicine.
1. Why am I taking Methoblastin?
Methoblastin contains the active ingredient methotrexate. Methoblastin is used to
treat certain types of cancers, severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis when the
condition does not improve with other medicines.
For more information, see Section
1. Why am I taking Methoblastin? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I take Methoblastin?
Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Methoblastin or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I take Methoblastin? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take Methoblastin?
The dose of medicine given to you will depend on the condition being treated, your
medical condition, your age, your size and how well your kidneys and liver are working.
More instructions can be found in Section
4. How do I take Methoblastin? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while taking Methoblastin?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Methoblastin.
You and your partner must use a reliable method of contraception (birth control pills
or condom) while taking Methoblastin and for at least three months after you stop
treatment for men and six months after you stop treatment for women.
Discuss with your doctor how much water or fluids you should have as not enough fluid
intake can increase the side effects of this medicine.
Remind your doctor you are on Methoblastin if you are about to receive any vaccination.
Tell your doctor if you think you may be getting an infection (fever, chills, achiness,
sore throat).
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Things you should not do
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Do not go out in the sun without sunscreen and protective clothing. Do not use sun
lamps.
Do not breastfeed while taking Methoblastin.
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Driving or using machines
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Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Methoblastin affects you. Methoblastin
may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision or tiredness, affecting alertness.
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Drinking alcohol
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You must not drink alcohol whilst you are taking this medicine. Alcohol may increase
the side effects of Methoblastin and cause liver damage.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Side effects include nausea, stomach pain, sore mouth (mouth ulcers, blisters), fatigue,
generally feeling unwell, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, sore eyes, ringing
in ears and low numbers of blood cell counts. Methoblastin can cause serious side
effects including severe allergic reaction; sore throat, fever, chills, achiness;
severe skin rash with blistering; persistent cough, pain or difficulty breathing,
or becoming breathless; spitting or coughing blood; skin rash and fever with swollen
glands; swelling of the hands, ankles or feet; yellowing of the skin and eyes; loss
of coordination, ability to speak or understand speech, weakness and inability to
move one side of the body or the whole body, convulsions or fits.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
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WARNING:
Methoblastin should only be taken for severe disease and when diagnosis has been made.
It is a toxic medicine which can cause severe reactions and death. You should be treated
under the constant care and follow up of your doctor or specialist.
Methotrexate should only be taken ONCE A WEEK to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Taking methotrexate more frequently than once a week may cause serious reactions and
death. Methoblastin is available in two strengths. You should check to make sure that
you are given the correct strength.
Methotrexate can cause blood disorders such as low numbers of red blood cells, white
blood cells or platelets. At high or repeated doses, methotrexate may be toxic to
your liver. Your doctor will need to do tests to check your liver regularly, before
and during treatment. Avoid alcohol while be treated with methotrexate.
Tell your doctor if you have cancer of the lymphatic system as methotrexate can affect
the treatment of this condition.
Serious infections, leading to death may occur with methotrexate treatment.
Methotrexate can cause birth defects, harm the unborn child or cause miscarriage.
Methotrexate should not be taken by pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant.
Methotrexate should not be started until it is confirmed you are not pregnant.
If you become pregnant during treatment or think you might be pregnant, speak to your
doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will provide advice regarding the risk of
harmful effects on the child through treatment.
You must avoid becoming pregnant or avoid fathering a child during treatment and for
at least three months after the end of treatment for men and six months after the
end of treatment for women . Both you and your partner must use a reliable method
of contraception (birth control pills or condom) during this period.
Women should not breastfeed while taking methotrexate.
Methotrexate should not be taken if you have severe kidney problems.
Tell your doctor if you take medicines to relieve pain, swelling of inflammation (nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs) as this can result in serious side effects when
taking methotrexate. It can affect your blood, stomach or gut and may lead to death.
Tell your doctor if you develop a dry, non-productive cough or shortness of breath.
Your doctor will stop treatment and monitor you closely as these may be signs of damage
to the lungs.
Use of methotrexate for non-cancer conditions in children has not been well established.
Tell your doctor if you are to have radiotherapy (also known as radiation therapy)
while on methotrexate as this can cause damage to tissue and bone.
Tell your doctor if you are to have any vaccinations while on methotrexate as this
may lead to serious infections or death.
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Active ingredient(s):
methotrexate
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about taking Methoblastin. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about taking Methoblastin.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking Methoblastin?
Methoblastin contains the active ingredient methotrexate.
Methoblastin is an antineoplastic or cytotoxic medicine. It may also be called a chemotherapy
medicine.
Methoblastin is used to treat certain types of cancers. It may also be used in severe
psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis when the condition does not improve with other medicines.
The medicine works by blocking an enzyme needed by the body's cells to live. This
interferes with the growth of some cells that are growing rapidly in psoriasis and
cancer. In rheumatoid arthritis, this medicine reduces the overactivity of the immune
system leading to less pain, swelling and damage to the joints.
2. What should I know before I take Methoblastin?
Warnings
Do not take Methoblastin if:
1. you are allergic to methotrexate, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine
4. you have severe kidney problems
5. you have severe liver problems
7. you have lowered immunity due to diseases or due to other treatments
8. have bone marrow disease
9. have any blood disorders, or conditions which cause a low number of red blood cells,
white blood cells, or platelets
10. have low iron in the blood (anaemia)
11. have infectious disease or severe infections
12. you are receiving a live vaccine
13. you are taking vitamin A derivatives (such as acitretin), medicines used to treat
psoriasis and other skin conditions
Do not take Methoblastin to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis if you:
14. have stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)
15. have a condition were your large bowel is inflamed and has ulcers (ulcerative colitis)
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions
kidney problems
liver problems, including hepatitis B or hepatitis C
lung problems
diabetes
low folate levels
blood disorders including abnormal blood cell count
immune system disorder
infection or high temperature
stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis (bleeding from your bowel)
lactose or galactose intolerance (Methoblastin contains lactose)
Before treatment is started your doctor may carry out blood tests to check the levels
of cells in your blood, and also to check how well your kidneys and liver are working.
You may also have a chest x-ray. Further tests may also be done during and after treatment.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
The medicine may harm the unborn child, cause birth defects and miscarriage if either
you or your partner is taking it. Both you and your partner must use a reliable method
of contraception (birth control pills or condom) during treatment with Methoblastin
and for at least three months after you stop treatment for men and at least six months
after stopping treatment for women. Your doctor will discuss with you what forms of
contraception are suitable and when it is safe to stop using contraception if you
wish to do so.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Methoblastin passes into breast milk and should not be taken when breastfeeding.
Children and elderly
Special care will also be taken in children, the elderly and in those who are in poor
physical condition.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Methoblastin and affect how it works.
These include:
some antibiotics
sulphonylureas, medicines used to treat diabetes
para-aminobenzoic acid, a medicine used to treat skin and autoimmune disorders
diuretics, medicines to remove fluid or water from the body
phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy
ciclosporin and azathioprine, medicines used to prevent transplant organ rejection
vitamin supplements that contain folic acid or folinic acid (take your folic acid
preparation on another day of the week, separate from Methoblastin).
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and salicylates (e.g. aspirin),
medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation
disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), medicines used to slow down progression
of rheumatoid arthritis disease
allopurinol and probenecid, medicines used to treat gout
theophylline, a medicine used to relieve asthma
cholestyramine, a medicine used to lower high cholesterol
amiodarone, a medicine used to treat heart disorders
certain other medicines used to treat cancer
sulfasalazine, a medicine used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid
arthritis
other medicines that may cause damage to your liver
retinoids, medicines used to treat skin conditions such as acitretin
pyrimethamine, a medicine used for malaria
proton pump inhibitors, medicines used to treat stomach ulcers and reflux
methoxsalen, a medicine used with ultraviolet light in PUVA therapy for conditions
such as severe psoriasis
Methoblastin can also be affected by, or interfere with the following:
nitrous oxide anaesthetics
vaccines
blood transfusions
alcohol
radiotherapy (radiation therapy) e.g. x-rays, ultra violet radiotherapy
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Methoblastin.
4. How do I take Methoblastin?
How much to take
Always read the pharmacist's label to check the exact dose and how often to take it.
The dose depends on the condition this medicine is being used for.
Make sure that you understand how often your doctor wants you to take Methoblastin
to treat your condition.
There are different doses for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, and cancer. It is
important not to take Methoblastin more often or in higher doses than your doctor
has prescribed for your condition. Overdoses of methotrexate may cause serious illness
or death.
If you are unsure about the dosage, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Never take it more often than your doctor has told you to.
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when to take it.
When to take
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis:
Take the tablets ONCE A WEEK on the same day each week for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Only take your dose on the day agreed with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cancer:
For cancer, take the tablets at the same time of day and only on the days specified
by your doctor.
Taking the tablets at the same time of day will have the best effect. It will also
help you to remember when to take the medicine.
How to take it
Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
Continue taking the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Ask your doctor if you are not sure how long to take it.
If you forget to take Methoblastin
If you forget to take a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Never take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you have any trouble remembering when to take your tablets, ask your pharmacist
for help.
If you take too much Methoblastin
You will need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while taking Methoblastin?
Things you should do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are taking Methoblastin.
Tell any other doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who are treating you that you are
taking this medicine.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon, anaesthetist or dentist that you
are taking this medicine. It may affect other medicines used during surgery.
If you are about to be given an immunisation, remind your doctor that you are taking
this medicine.
Check your tablets very carefully each time you collect them from your pharmacist.
Methoblastin is available in two strengths. You should check to make sure that you
are given the correct strength.
Wash your hands immediately after taking the medicine.
Drink plenty of water on the day you take the medicine. The recommended daily intake
is 8 glasses per day.
Ask your doctor if there are any precautions you need to take to prevent your urine
becoming too acidic. Acidic urine can increase the side effects of this medicine.
Tell your doctor immediately if you are spitting or coughing up blood when taking
Methoblastin.
Some patients have reported acute bleeding in the lungs when taking Methoblastin to
treat rheumatoid arthritis and other related diseases.
Keep all of your doctor’s appointments so your progress can be checked.
Methotrexate can cause problems with your blood, liver and kidneys. Your doctor may
do blood tests to check for these problems or may ask you to have an operation to
have a small sample of your liver removed. There may also be a chest x-ray and a physical
examination to check for swelling of your lymph nodes (glands in your neck, armpits
and groin).
Things you should not do
Do not go out in the sun without wearing protective clothing (hat and shirt) and using
a sunscreen with a high protection factor. Avoid exposure to sunlamps.
Methoblastin can increase your sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe reactions,
increasing the risk of skin cancer (non-melanoma and melanoma). Symptoms may include
a skin rash, itching, swelling, redness, blistering or a severe sunburn.
Things to be careful of
Methoblastin can lower the number of white blood cells and platelets in your blood.
This means that you have an increased chance of getting an infection or bleeding.
The following precautions should be taken to reduce your risk of infection or bleeding:
Avoid people who have infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think
you may be getting an infection, or if you get a fever, chills, cough, hoarse throat,
lower back or side pain or find it painful or difficult to urinate.
Be careful when using a toothbrush, toothpick or dental floss. Your doctor, dentist,
nurse or pharmacist may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with
your doctor before having any dental work.
Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a razor or
nail cutters.
Avoid contact sports or other situations where you may bruise or get injured.
Methoblastin may be excreted in body fluids and waste, including blood, urine, faeces,
vomit and semen. In general, precautions to protect other people should be taken while
you are taking Methoblastin and for one week after the treatment period by:
Flushing the toilet twice to dispose of any body fluids and waste.
Wearing gloves to clean any spill of body fluid or waste. Use paper towels or old
rags, a strong solution of non-bleaching detergent and large amounts of water to mop
up the spill. Discard the towels or rags into a separate waste bag and dispose of
fluids in the toilet.
Washing linen or clothing that is heavily contaminated by body fluids or waste separately
from other items. Use a strong solution of non-bleaching detergent and large amounts
of water.
Placing soiled disposable nappies and other pads in a plastic bag, seal and dispose
into the garbage.
For sexual intercourse, use a barrier method such as a condom.
Carers and other people who handle Methoblastin should wear disposable gloves to avoid
direct contact with the tablets. Pregnant women should not handle the medicine at
all.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive, use any machines or tools or do anything else that could
be dangerous until you know how Methoblastin affects you.
Methoblastin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision or tiredness in some
people and therefore may affect alertness.
Drinking alcohol
You must not drink alcohol whilst you are being given this medicine.
Alcohol may increase the side effects of Methoblastin and cause liver damage.
Looking after your medicine
Do not store Methoblastin in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window
sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
It should be kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature
stays below 25°C.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Side effects
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Side effects
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What to do
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Stomach or gut related
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
upset stomach or stomach pains
lack of appetite or weight loss
Nervous system related
dizziness, drowsiness, headaches
numbness, weakness, tingling, burning or cold sensations
irritability, depression, confusion or mood changes
Skin and nails related
skin rash, itchiness
sensitivity or increased burning of the skin from sun exposure
acne or boils or skin ulcers
infection of hair roots or hair loss, especially of the scalp
changes in the toenails/ fingernails or skin around the nails
Eye and ear related
conjunctivitis (itchy eyes and crusty eyelids)
sore eyes, blurred vision
ringing in the ears
Blood related
tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, looking pale (signs of anaemia)
Other
unusual or excessive thirst
changes in menstrual cycle (periods), unusual vaginal discharge
enlarged breast
impotence or loss of interest in sex
back pain, stiff neck
painful joints or muscles
muscle cramps or spasms
brittle bones
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they worry you.
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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Allergic reaction related
signs of an allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty
breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching,
or hives on the skin.
Heart and blood related
chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heart beats, weakness or fatigue
pain, swelling, redness and warmth in the leg (signs of a blood clot in the leg)
weakness or paralysis on one side of the body or face, difficulty speaking or swallowing,
headache, loss of balance or vision (signs of stroke)
rapid weight gain, fluid retention, swollen ankles
Eye related
temporary blindness
Lung related
persistent dry, non-productive cough
wheezing, difficulty breathing or chest pain
shortness of breath which may be worse when lying down, cough, spitting or coughing
up blood or pinkish mucus (may be due to build up of fluid in the lungs called pulmonary
oedema)
Nervous system related
fits, seizures or convulsions
difficulty speaking, writing or understanding language
weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face, which may result
in paralysis
headache, dizziness, vomiting, loss of coordination or confusion (may be due to build
up of fluid in the brain called brain oedema).
Infection related
fever and chills, sore throat, sweats, body aches or feel generally unwell
sore mouth (mouth ulcers, blisters), difficulty swallowing, cold sores, swollen glands
Severe skin reaction related
skin redness/rash, pinpoint red spots, ulceration, blistering; hives or itchy skin
severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals (Stevens-Johnson
syndrome)
Bleeding related
blood in urine, vomit or bowel motion (e.g. black tarry stools, black vomit)
bleeding or bruising more easily than usual (e.g. bleeding gums, broken blood vessels)
Kidney related
swelling of hands, ankles or feet
frequent or painful urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, lower back or
side pain
Liver related
yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally
unwell, fever, itchy or lighter patches on the skin, pale coloured stools, dark coloured
urine
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Some of these side effects can only be found when your doctor does tests from time
to time to check your progress.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Methoblastin contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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methotrexate
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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lactose monohydrate
maize starch
pregelatinised maize starch
polysorbate 80
microcrystalline cellulose
magnesium stearate
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Methoblastin looks like
Methoblastin 2.5 mg tablets are round, pale yellow tablets marked with "M 2.5" on
one side. Available in packs of 30 tablets.
Methoblastin 10 mg tablets are capsule shaped, pale yellow tablets marked with "M10"
on the same side as the score line. Available in packs of 15 and 50 tablets.
2.5 mg: AUST R 15418
10 mg: AUST R 15417
Who distributes Methoblastin
Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney NSW
Toll Free Number: 1800 675 229
This leaflet was prepared in October 2023.