Dermotrex Gel 30gm

INTRODUCTION:

DERMOTREX contains methotrexate which belongs to the class of medications called antimetabolites. It is used to treat a severe form of psoriasis when other treatments are not effective. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your skin cells to grow and multiply much quickly than normal cells. The rate of production of epithelial cells in the skin is highly increased over normal skin. This abnormal cell multiplication causes patches of your skin to become thick and scaly. Methotrexate is active against rapidly multiplying cells, because of its cytotoxic effects that occur primarily during S phase of cell division. It kills the rapidly multiplying cells in the skin.

Methotrexate may cause serious injury or death to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy to treat psoriasis. Do not use this medicine to treat psoriasis if you have low blood cell counts, a weak immune system, alcoholism or chronic liver disease, or if you are breastfeeding.

This medicine is for external use only. Always wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Clean and dry the affected area. Do not wash the treated area after immediately applying this medicine. Avoid contact of this medication in your eyes or nose or mouth. Do not stop using the medicine without first checking with your doctor. You should use it exactly as your doctor has advised.

USES OF DERMOTREX:

Treats severe form of psoriasis when other treatments are not effective

HOW DERMOTREX WORKS:

Methotrexate inhibits the enzymes responsible for nucleotide synthesis including dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, aminoimidazole caboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (AICART) and amido phosphoribosyltransferase. Inhibtion of these enzyme, inhibitis nucleotide synthesis and prevents cell division.

It is most active against rapidly multiplying cells, because its cytotoxic effects occur primarily during the S phase of the cell cycle. It kills the cells in the skin which are growing too quickly.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Always use this medicine as directed by your doctor. It is for external use only. Consult your doctor before using this medicine on open wounds, dry, chapped, irritated or sun-burned skin.

Always wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of medicine on the affected area. Avoid contact of this medicine in to your eyes or nose or mouth.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DERMOTREX:

SERIOUS

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Lung disease
• Nerve damage
• Reduced number of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia
• Reduced number of platelets, which can lead to abnormal bleeding
• Reduced number of white blood cells, which can lead to infections

COMMON

• Mouth sores
• Nausea, vomiting and upset stomach
• Tiredness, chills, fever
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Burning skin lesions

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal and stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Upset Stomach:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals.

WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS:

PREGNANCY

DERMOTREX should be used with caution in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING

DERMOTREX is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

KIDNEY

DERMOTREX should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER

DERMOTREX should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to methotrexate.

LUNGS

DERMOTREX should be taken with caution in patients with severe lung disease like pleural effusion. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Inform your doctor, if you have low blood cell counts, bone marrow disorder, a weak immune system, stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis.

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements.

SYNOPSIS:

Drug : Methotrexate
Pharmacological Category : Antimetabolite, Antirheumatic, Immunosuppressant Agent
Therapeutic Indication : Psoriasis
Dosage Forms : Tablet, Injection, Gel

MORE INFORMATION:

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQ’s ABOUT DERMOTREX:

Q: What is DERMOTREX used for?
A: It is used to treat a severe form of psoriasis when other treatments are not effective. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes your skin cells to grow and multiply much quickly than normal cells.

Q: Can DERMOTREX be used during pregnancy?
A: No. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking.