The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Burkitt's lymphoma. The treatment of severe cases of uncontrolled psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional therapy.

The treatment of adults with severe, active, classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis who are unresponsive or intolerant to conventional therapy.

Posology

Dosages are based on the patient's body weight or surface area. Doses should be reduced in cases of haematological deficiency and hepatic or renal impairment.

This medicine should only be taken once a week.

Methotrexate should only be prescribed by physicians with expertise in the use of methotrexate and a full understanding of the risks of methotrexate therapy.

The prescriber should ensure that patients or their carers will be able to comply with the once weekly regimen.

The prescriber should specify the day of intake on the prescription.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia:

Paediatric population

In acute lymphoblastic leukaemia remissions are usually best induced with a combination of corticosteroids and other cytotoxic agents.

Methotrexate 15mg/m², given orally once weekly, in combination with other drugs, appears to be the treatment of choice for maintenance of drug-induced remissions.

Burkitt's Lymphoma:

Paediatric population

Some cases of Burkitt's lymphoma, when treated in the early stages with courses of 15mg/m² daily orally for five days, have shown prolonged remissions. Combination chemotherapy is also commonly used in all stages of the disease.

Psoriasis:

Adults

It is recommended that a test dose of 5-10mg should be administered, one week prior to therapy to detect idiosyncratic adverse reactions.

In most cases of severe uncontrolled psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional therapy, 10-25mg orally once a week and adjusted by the patient's response is recommended.

The use of methotrexate in psoriasis may permit the return to conventional topical therapy which should be encouraged.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Adults

It is recommended that a test dose of 5-10mg should be administered, one week prior to therapy to detect idiosyncratic adverse reactions.

In adults with severe, acute, classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis who are unresponsive or intolerant to conventional therapy, 7.5mg orally once weekly. The schedule may be adjusted gradually to achieve an optimal response but should not exceed a total weekly dose of 20mg. Once response has been achieved, the schedule should be reduced to the lowest possible effective dose.

Elderly

Methotrexate should be used with extreme caution in elderly patients; a reduction in dosage should be considered (see 4.4).

Paediatric population

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established, other than in cancer chemotherapy.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

Methotrexate is contra-indicated in the presence of severe/significant renal or significant hepatic impairment . Liver disease including fibrosis, cirrhosis, recent or active hepatitis; serious, acute or chronic active infectious disease such as tuberculosis and HIV; stomatitis and ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract; alcohol abuse; concomitant use with a live vaccine; and overt or laboratory evidence of immunodeficiency syndrome(s). Serious cases of anaemia, leucopenia, or thrombocytopenia. Methotrexate should not be used concomitantly with drugs with antifolate properties. Methotrexate is teratogenic and should not be given during pregnancy or to mothers who are breast-feeding (see section 4.6).

Patients with a known allergic hypersensitivity to methotrexate or any of the excipients should not receive methotrexate.

The prescriber should specify the day of intake on the prescription.

The prescriber should make sure patients understand that Methotrexate should only be taken once a week.

Patients should be instructed on the importance of adhering to the once-weekly intakes.

Warnings:

Methotrexate should be used with extreme caution in patients with haematological depression, renal impairment, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative stomatitis, diarrhoea, debility and in young children and the elderly. (See 4.2).

Patients with pleural effusions or ascites should have these drained if appropriate before treatment or treatment should be withdrawn. A chest x-ray is recommended prior to initiation of methotrexate therapy or treatment should be withdrawn.

Conditions leading to dehydration such as emesis, diarrhoea, stomatitis, can increase the toxicity of methotrexate due to elevated agent levels. In these cases use of methotrexate should be interrupted until the symptoms cease

It is important to identify patients with possibly elevated methotrexate levels within 48 hours after therapy, as otherwise methotrexate toxicity may be irreversible.

Symptoms of gastro-intestinal toxicity, usually first manifested by stomatitis, indicate that therapy should be interrupted otherwise haemorrhagic enteritis and death from intestinal perforation may occur.

Vitamin preparations or other products containing folic acid, folinic acid or their derivatives may decrease the effectiveness of methotrexate.

Particular caution should be exercised in the presence of inactive, chronic infections ( e.g herpes zoster, tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C), due to possible activation.

Methotrexate has some immunosuppressive activity and therefore the immunological response to concurrent vaccination may be decreased. In addition, concomitant use of a live vaccine could cause a severe antigenic reaction.

Potentially fatal opportunistic infections, including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia may occur with methotrexate therapy. When a patient presents with pulmonary symptoms the possibility of Pneumocystis carinii should be considered.

Acute or chronic interstitial pneumonitis, often associated with blood eosinophilia, may occur and deaths have been reported. Symptoms typically include dyspnoea, cough (especially a dry non-productive cough) and fever for which patients should be monitored at each follow-up visit. Patients should be informed of the risk of pneumonitis and advised to contract their doctor immediately should they develop persistent cough or dyspnoea.

In addition, pulmonary alveolar haemorrhage has been reported with methotrexate used in rheumatologic and related indications. This event may also be associated with vasculitis and other comorbidities. Prompt investigations should be considered when pulmonary alveolar haemorrhage is suspected to confirm the diagnosis.

Methotrexate should be withdrawn from patients with pulmonary symptoms and a thorough investigation should be made to exclude infection. If Methotrexate induced lung disease is suspected treatment with corticosteroids should be initiated and treatment with Methotrexate should not be restarted.

Special caution is required in patients with impaired pulmonary function.

Fertility

Methotrexate has been reported to cause impairment of fertility, oligospermia, menstrual dysfunction and amenorrhoea in humans during and for a short period after the discontinuation of treatment, affecting spermatogenesis and oogenesis during the period of its administration - effects that appear to be reversible on discontinuing therapy.

Teratogenicity – Reproductive risk

Methotrexate causes embryotoxicity, abortion and foetal malformations in humans. Therefore, the possible effects on reproduction, pregnancy loss and congenital malformations should be discussed with female patients of childbearing age (see section 4.6). In non-oncologic indications, the absence of pregnancy must be confirmed before Methotrexate is used. If women of a sexually mature age are treated, effective contraception must be used during treatment and for at least six months after.

For contraception advice for men see section 4.6.

Precautions:

Methotrexate should only be used by clinicians who are familiar with the various characteristics of the drug and its mode of action. Before beginning methotrexate therapy or reinstituting methotrexate after a rest period, a chest x-ray, assessment of renal function, liver function and blood elements should be made by history, physical examination and laboratory tests. This will include a routine examination of lymph nodes and patients should report any unusual swelling to the doctor.

Patients undergoing therapy should be subject to appropriate supervision every 2-3 months so that signs of possible toxic effects or adverse reactions may be detected and evaluated with minimal delay. Renal function and full blood counts should be closely monitored before, during and after treatment.

Patients receiving low-dose methotrexate should:

Have a full blood count and renal and liver function tests before starting treatment. These should be repeated weekly until therapy is stabilised It is essential that the following laboratory tests are included regularly (every 2-3 months) in the clinical evaluation and monitoring of patients receiving methotrexate: complete haematological analysis, urinalysis, renal function tests, liver function tests and, when high doses are administered, determination of plasma levels of methotrexate.

Patients should report all symptoms and signs suggestive of infection, especially sore throat.

If acute methotrexate toxicity occurs, patients may require treatment with folinic acid.

Liver function tests

Treatment should not be initiated or should be discontinued if there are persistent or significant abnormalities in liver function tests, other non-invasive investigations of hepatic fibrosis, or liver biopsies.

Temporary increases in transaminases to two or three times the upper limit of normal have been reported in patients at a frequency of 13-20 %. Persistent elevation of liver enzymes and/or decrease in serum albumin may be indicative for severe hepatotoxicity. In the event of a persistent increase in liver enzymes, consideration should be given to reducing the dose or discontinuing therapy.

Histological changes, fibrosis and more rarely liver cirrhosis may not be preceded by abnormal liver function tests. There are instances in cirrhosis where transaminases are normal. Therefore, non-invasive diagnostic methods for monitoring of liver condition should be considered, in addition to liver function tests. Liver biopsy should be considered on an individual basis taking into account the patient's comorbidities, medical history and the risks related to biopsy. Risk factors for hepatotoxicity include excessive prior alcohol consumption, persistent elevation of liver enzymes, history of liver disease, family history of hereditary liver disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity and previous contact with hepatotoxic drugs or chemicals and prolonged methotrexate treatment.

Additional hepatotoxic medicinal products should not be given during treatment with methotrexate unless clearly necessary. Alcohol consumption should be avoided (see sections 4.3 and 4.5). Closer monitoring of liver enzymes should be undertaken in patients concomitantly taking other hepatotoxic medicinal products.

Increased caution should be exercised in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as during methotrexate therapy, liver cirrhosis developed in isolated cases without any elevation of transaminases.

Pleuropulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis have been reported in the literature. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the physician should be specifically alerted to the potential for methotrexate induced adverse effects in the pulmonary system. Patients should be advised to contact their physicians immediately should they develop a cough or dyspnoea (see 4.8).

Haematopoietic suppression caused by methotrexate may occur abruptly and with apparently safe dosages. Any profound drop in white-cell or platelet counts indicates immediate withdrawal of the drug and appropriate supportive therapy (see 4.8). Patients should be advised to report all signs and symptoms suggestive of infection.

Systemic toxicity of methotrexate may also be enhanced in patients with renal dysfunction, ascites or other effusions due to prolongation of serum half-life.

Renal lesions may develop if the urinary flow is impeded and urinary pH is low, especially if large doses have been administered.

Reduce dose of methotrexate in patients with renal impairment.

In the presence of risk factors, such as – even borderline – impaired renal function, concomitant administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories is not recommended. Dehydration may also potentiate the toxicity of methotrexate.

High doses may cause the precipitation of methotrexate or its metabolites in the renal tubules. A high fluid throughput and alkalinisation of the urine to pH 6.5-7.0 by oral or intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate (5x 625mg tablets every three hours) or acetazolamide (500mg orally four times a day) is recommended as a preventive measure.

Malignant lymphomas may occur in patients receiving low dose methotrexate, in which case therapy must be discontinued. Failure of the lymphoma to show signs of spontaneous regression requires the initiation of cytotoxic therapy.

Methotrexate given concomitantly with radiotherapy may increase the risk of soft tissue necrosis and osteonecrosis.

In paediatric population, radiation induced dermatitis and sun-burn can reappear under methotrexate therapy(recall-reaction).

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking methotrexate (see section 4.8). Exposure to intense sunlight or to UV rays should be avoided. Patients should use adequate sun-protection to protect themselves from intense sunlight with a high protection factor.

Methotrexate is immunosuppressive and may therefore reduce immunological response to concurrent vaccination. Severe antigenic reactions may occur if a live vaccine is given concurrently.

Methotrexate is extensively protein bound and may displace, or be displaced by other acidic drugs. The concurrent administration of agents such as p-aminobenzoic acid, chloramphenicol, penicillins, ciprofloxacin, diphenylhydantoins, phenytoin, acidic anti-inflammatory agents, salicylates, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, probenicid, sulfinpyrazone or oral hypoglycaemics will decrease the methotrexate transport function of renal tubules, thereby reducing excretion and almost certainly increasing methotrexate toxicity. Concomitant use of other drugs with nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic potential (including alcohol) should generally be avoided, unless considered clinically justified, in which case the patient should be closely monitored.

Administration of additional haemotoxic medicinal products increase the probability of severe haemotoxic effects of methotrexate. Concurrent administration of metamizole and methotrexate can increase the haematotoxic effect of methotrexate, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, coadministration should be avoided.

Renal tubular transport is also diminished by probenecid and penicillins; use of methotrexate with these drugs should be carefully monitored.

NSAIDs should not be administered prior to, or concomitantly with, high dose methotrexate as fatal methotrexate toxicity has been reported. Caution is also advised when NSAIDs and salicylates are administered concomitantly with lower doses of methotrexate. These drugs have been reported to reduce the tubular secretion of methotrexate in an animal model and thereby may enhance its toxicity. It is recommended that methotrexate dosage be carefully controlled during treatment with NSAIDs.

Concomitant administration of folate antagonists, such as co-trimoxazole, trimethoprim and nitrous oxide should be avoided.

Vitamin preparations containing folic acid or its derivatives may alter response to methotrexate.

Oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines, chloramphenicol and non-absorbable broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce intestinal methotrexate absorption or interfere with the enterohepatic circulation, due to inhibition of the intestinal flora or suppression of bacterial metabolism.

Though the combination of methotrexate and sulfasalazine may enhance methotrexate efficacy by sulfasalazine related inhibition of folic acid synthesis, and thus may lead to an increased risk of side effects, these were only observed in single patients within several trials.

Co-administration of proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or pantoprazole can lead to interactions: Concomitant administration of methotrexate and omeprazole has led to a delay in the renal elimination of methotrexate. In combination with pantoprazole, inhibited renal elimination of the 7-hydroxymethotrexate metabolite, with myalgia and shivering, was reported in one case.

Methotrexate may reduce theophylline clearance. Therefore, theophylline blood levels should be monitored under concomitant methotrexate administration.

Excessive consumption of beverages containing caffeine or theophylline (coffee, soft drinks containing caffeine, black tea) should be avoided during methotrexate therapy since the efficacy of methotrexate may be reduced due to possible interaction between methotrexate and methylxanthines at adenosine receptors.

The combined use of methotrexate and leflunomide may increase the risk for pancytopenia. Methotrexate leads to increased plasma levels of mercaptopurines. Therefore, the combination of these may require dose adjustment.

Particularly in the case of orthopaedic surgery where susceptibility to infection is high, a combination of methotrexate with immune-modulating agents must be used with caution.

Anaesthetics on nitric oxide base potentiate the effect of methotrexate on the folic acid metabolism and lead to severe unpredictable myelosuppression and stomatitis. This can be reduced by administering calcium folinate.

Colestyramine can increase the non-renal elimination of methotrexate by interrupting the enterohepatic circulation.

Delayed methotrexate clearance should be considered in combination with other cytostatic agents.

Radiotherapy during use of methotrexate can increase the risk of soft tissue or bone necrosis

On account of its possible effect on the immune system, methotrexate can falsify vaccinal and test results (immunological procedures to record the immune reaction). During methotrexate therapy concurrent vaccination with live vaccines must not be carried out (see section 4.3 and 4.4).

Existing data suggest that etretinate is formed from acitretin after ingestion of alcoholic beverages. However the formation of etretinate without concurrent alcohol intake cannot be excluded. Serum levels of methotrexate may be increased by etretinate and severe hepatitis has been reported following concurrent use.

The use of nitrous oxide potentiates the effect of methotrexate on folate metabolism, yielding increased toxicity such as severe, unpredictable myelosuppression and stomatitis and in case of intrathecal administration increased severe, unpredictable neurotoxicity. Whilst this effect can be reduced by administering calcium folinate, the concomitant use of nitrous oxide and methotrexate should be avoided.

Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in females

Women must not get pregnant during methotrexate therapy, and effective contraception must be used during treatment with methotrexate and at least 6 months thereafter (see section 4.4). Prior to initiating therapy, women of childbearing potential must be informed of the risk of malformations associated with methotrexate and any existing pregnancy must be excluded with certainty by taking appropriate measures, e.g. a pregnancy test. During treatment pregnancy tests should be repeated as clinically required (e.g. after any gap of contraception). Female patients of reproductive potential must be counselled regarding pregnancy prevention and planning.

Contraception in males

It is not known if methotrexate is present in semen. Methotrexate has been shown to be genotoxic in animal studies, such that the risk of genotoxic effects on sperm cells cannot completely be excluded. Limited clinical evidence does not indicate an increased risk of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure to low-dose methotrexate (less than 30 mg/week). For higher doses, there is insufficient data to estimate the risks of malformations or miscarriage following paternal exposure.

As precautionary measures, sexually active male patients or their female partners are recommended to use reliable contraception during treatment of the male patient and for at least 6 months after cessation of methotrexate. Men should not donate semen during therapy or for 6 months following discontinuation of methotrexate.

Pregnancy

Methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy in non-oncological indications (see section 4.3). If pregnancy occurs during treatment with methotrexate and up to six months thereafter, medical advice should be given regarding the risk of harmful effects on the child associated with treatment and ultrasonography examinations should be performed to confirm normal foetal development. In animal studies, methotrexate has shown reproductive toxicity, especially during the first trimester (see section 5.3). Methotrexate has been shown to be teratogenic to humans; it has been reported to cause foetal death, miscarriages and/or congenital abnormalities (e.g. craniofacial, cardiovascular, central nervous system and extremity-related).

Methotrexate is a powerful human teratogen, with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions, intrauterine growth restriction and congenital malformations in case of exposure during pregnancy.

• Spontaneous abortions have been reported in 42.5% of pregnant women exposed to low-dose methotrexate treatment (less than 30 mg/week), compared to a reported rate of 22.5% in disease-matched patients treated with drugs other than methotrexate.

• Major birth defects occurred in 6.6% of live births in women exposed to low-dose methotrexate treatment (less than 30 mg/week) during pregnancy, compared to approximately 4% of live births in in disease-matched patients treated with drugs other than methotrexate.

Insufficient data is available for methotrexate exposure during pregnancy higher than 30 mg/week, but higher rates of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations are expected, in particular at doses commonly used in oncologic indications

When methotrexate was discontinued prior to conception, normal pregnancies have been reported.

When used in oncological indications, methotrexate should not be administered during pregnancy in particular during the first trimester of pregnancy. In each individual case the benefit of treatment must be weighed up against the possible risk to the foetus. If the drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking methotrexate, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from methotrexate in breast fed infants, breast feeding is contra-indicated in women taking methotrexate. If use during the lactation period should become necessary, breast-feeding is to be stopped prior to treatment.

Fertility

Methotrexate affects spermatogenesis and oogenesis and may decrease fertility. In humans, methotrexate has been reported to cause oligospermia, menstrual dysfunction and amenorrhoea. These effects appear to be reversible after discontinuation of therapy in most cases. In oncologic indications, women who are planning to become pregnant are advised to consult a genetic counselling centre, if possible, prior to therapy and men should seek advice about the possibility of sperm preservation before starting therapy as methotrexate can be genotoxic at higher doses (see section 4.4).

CNS symptoms, such as fatigue and confusion, can occur during treatment. Methotrexate has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines .

Occurrence and severity of undesirable effects depend on dose level and frequency of Methotrexate administration. However, as severe adverse reactions may occur even at lower doses, it is indispensable that the doctor monitors patients regularly at short intervals.

Most undesirable effects are reversible if recognised early. If such adverse reactions occur, dose should be reduced or therapy be interrupted and appropriate countermeasures should be taken (see section 4.9). Methotrexate therapy should only be resumed with caution, under close assessment of the necessity for treatment and with increased alertness for possible reoccurrence of toxicity.

Frequencies in this table are defined using the following convention:

very common (≥ 1/10) common (≥ 1/100 < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000) , not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Further details are given in the following table. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness

The following adverse reactions may occur:

The appearance and degree of severity of undesirable effects depends on the dosage level and the frequency of administration. However, as severe undesirable effects can occur even at lower doses, it is indispensable that patients are monitored regularly by the doctor at short intervals.

When methotrexate is given by the intramuscular route, local undesirable effects (burning sensation) or damage (formation of sterile abscess, destruction of fatty tissue) at the site of injection can occur commonly. Subcutaneous application of methotrexate is locally well tolerated. Only mild local skin reactions were observed, decreasing during therapy.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard) or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Calcium folinate is the antidote for neutralising the immediate toxic effects of methotrexate on the haematopoietic system. It may be administered orally, intramuscularly, or by an intravenous bolus injection or infusion. In cases of accidental overdosage, a dose of calcium folinate equal to or higher than the offending dose of methotrexate should be administered within one hour and dosing continued until the serum levels of methotrexate are below 10^-7M. Other supporting therapy such as a blood transfusion and renal dialysis may be required.

In cases of massive overdose, hydration and urinary alkalisation may be necessary to prevent precipitation of methotrexate and/or its metabolites in the renal tubules. Neither haemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis has been shown to improve methotrexate elimination. Effective clearance of methotrexate has been reported with acute, intermittent haemodialysis using a high flux dialyser.

Cases of overdose have been reported, sometimes fatal, due to erroneous daily intake instead of weekly intake of oral methotrexate.

In these cases, symptoms that have been commonly reported are haematological and gastrointestinal reactions. E.g leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, bone marrow depression, mucositis, stomatitis, oral ulceration, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding

Some patients showed no signs of overdose.

There are reports of death due to sepsis, septic shock, renal failure and aplastic anaemia.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic and immunomoduling agents, antineoplastic agents, antimetabolites, folic acid analogues, ATC code: L01BA01

Methotrexate, a derivative of folic acid, belongs to the class of cytotoxic agents known as antimetabolites. It acts principally during the 'S' phase of cell division, by the competitive inhibition of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, thus preventing the reduction of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate, a necessary step in the process of DNA synthesis and cellular replication. Actively proliferating tissues such as malignant cells, bone marrow, foetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and cells of the urinary bladder are generally more sensitive to the effects of methotrexate. When cellular proliferation in malignant tissues is greater than in most normal tissues, methotrexate may impair malignant growth without irreversible damage to normal tissues.

The mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown; it may affect immune function. Clarification of the effect of methotrexate on immune activity and its relation to rheumatoid immunopathogenesis await further investigation.

In psoriasis, the rate of production of epithelial cells in the skin is greatly increased over normal skin. This differential in proliferation rates is the basis for the use of methotrexate to control the psoriatic process.

In doses of 0.1mg (of methotrexate) per kg, methotrexate is completely absorbed from the G.I. tract; larger oral doses may be incompletely absorbed. Serum concentrations following oral administration of methotrexate may be slightly lower than those following I.V. injection.

Methotrexate is actively transported across cell membranes. The drug is widely distributed into body tissues with highest concentrations in the kidneys, gall bladder, spleen, liver and skin. Methotrexate is retained for several weeks in the kidneys and for months in the liver. Sustained serum concentrations and tissue accumulation may result from repeated daily doses. Methotrexate crosses the placental barrier and is distributed into breast milk. Approximately 50% of the drug in the blood is bound to serum proteins.

Following oral doses of 0.06mg/kg or more, the drug had a serum half-life of 2-4 hours, but the serum half-life was reported to be increased to 8-10 hours when oral doses of 0.037mg/kg were given.

Methotrexate does not appear to be appreciably metabolised. The drug is excreted primarily by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and active transport. Small amounts are excreted in the faeces, probably via the bile. Methotrexate has a biphasic excretion pattern. If methotrexate excretion is impaired, accumulation will occur more rapidly, e.g. in patients with impaired renal function. In addition, simultaneous administration of other weak organic acids such as salicylates may suppress methotrexate clearance.

Chronic toxicity

Chronic toxicity studies in mice, rats and dogs showed toxic effects in the form of gastrointestinal lesions, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity.

Mutagenic and carcinogenic potential

Long-term studies in rats, mice and hamsters did not show any evidence of a tumorigenic potential of methotrexate. Methotrexate induces gene and chromosome mutations both in vitro and in vivo. A mutagenic effect is suspected in humans.

Reproductive toxicology

Teratogenic effects have been identified in four species (rats, mice, rabbits, cats). In rhesus monkeys, no malformations comparable to humans occurred.

Maize starch

Colloidal anhydrous silica

Magnesium stearate

Lactose monohydrate

Microcrystalline cellulose

Potato starch

Not applicable

Three years

Do not store above 25° C.

4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 50 and 100 tablets in white polypropylene tablet containers sealed with a white polyethylene lid or PVC/PVDC blisters sealed with aluminium foil.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Cytotoxic drugs should only be handled by trained personnel in a designated area. The work surface should be covered with disposable plastic-backed absorbent paper. Protective gloves and goggles should be worn to avoid the drug accidentally coming into contact with the skin or eyes. Methotrexate is not a vesicant and should not cause harm if it comes into contact with the skin. It should of course be washed off with water immediately. Any transient stinging may be treated with bland cream. If there is any danger of systemic absorption of significant quantities of methotrexate, by any route, calcium folinate cover should be given.

Cytotoxic preparations should not be handled by pregnant staff.

Adequate care should be taken in the disposal of any unwanted product and containers. Any waste material may be disposed of by incineration. We do not make any specific recommendations with regard to the temperature of the incinerator.