0

Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Metoject and Equivalent

Metoject Information

Metoject (Methotrexate) is a versatile medication that appears to act as a brake for an overactive immune system or rapidly growing cancerous cells. While many associate it primarily with arthritis, its use in medicine is quite broad, spanning from autoimmune disorders to certain types of oncology. It is used in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). It is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the most common form of arthritis in children under 16. It is typically used in this juvenile condition when the response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been poor. It may also be used to treat severe, recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis that is not adequately responsive to other therapies such as phototherapy, PUVA, and retinoids, and severe psoriatic arthritis in adult patients. Its use has also been established in inflammatory bowel disease, especially in mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease in adult patients. Metoject helps induce and maintain remission in patients who haven't responded well to other first-line treatments, such as corticosteroids. It may also be used to treat other autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and sarcoidosis. Lastly, methotrexate prefilled injection in much higher doses can be used to treat various cancers (like leukemia, breast cancer, or lung cancer). It targets rapidly dividing malignant cells to prevent tumor growth.

Methotrexate belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Specifically, it is categorized as a folate antimetabolite (or an anti-folate). Unlike simple painkillers or NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen), which only treat the symptoms, DMARDs are designed to alter the course of the disease itself. Methotrexate works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for nucleotide and DNA synthesis. Blocking this enzyme reduces the rapid cell division characteristic of both cancerous cells and the overactive immune cells seen in autoimmune disorders. In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate helps reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage by suppressing immune system activity that mistakenly attacks the joints. In psoriasis, it slows the excessive production of skin cells and reduces joint inflammation. Methotrexate is often used when other medications fail to manage these conditions, providing symptom relief, improving quality of life, and potentially extending survival in certain cancers.

Metoject Side Effects

Like other medications, methotrexate can cause some side effects. Common side effects of this medication include abdominal pain, decreased blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, hoarseness, loss of appetite, loss of sexual interest or ability, muscle or joint pain, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and weakness. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bleeding problems such as bleeding gums, blood in the urine, vomiting blood, or bruising;
• Heart problems with symptoms like fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse; chest pain;
• Kidney disease with symptoms like swollen legs, a change in frequency of urination;
• Leukencephalopathy with symptoms like seizures, vision loss, trouble thinking clearly, and difficulty walking;
• Liver problems with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellow eyes, and skin;
• Lung problems (pneumonitis) with symptoms such as persistent dry, non-productive cough or cough with bloody sputum, shortness of breath, and fever;
• Signs of infections such as fever, chills, sore throat, body pain

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Metoject Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to methotrexate, other ingredients in Metoject, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active infection;
• Bleeding problems;
• Blood clotting disorders;
• Blood count disorders such as anemia;
• Gastrointestinal problems such as ulcerative colitis;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease, including hepatitis B and C;
• Lung problems;
• Seizure disorders

Note that this medication may cause dizziness and fatigue. Therefore, it is not recommended to operate machinery or drive a vehicle until you are certain that taking this medication does not impair your ability to do so safely. Metoject can make your skin much more prone to severe sunburn. Therefore, it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Vaccines may be ineffective if given during treatment with methotrexate. Live virus vaccines (such as smallpox, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, shingles) are not recommended during treatment with methotrexate, as it may suppress your immune system, making it more vulnerable to infections. Your doctor will request blood tests before and during treatment with this medication to ensure it is suitable for you and to monitor for severe adverse effects. Avoid the intake of alcohol and caffeine-containing products while using this medication.

Methotrexate is a potent teratogen, meaning it can cause significant congenital disabilities or miscarriage. Therefore, it should not be used during pregnancy. You must use highly effective contraception during treatment. Women who plan to conceive must stop Metoject and wait at least 6 months to ensure it is completely out of their system. This medication is also not recommended during breastfeeding. While tiny amounts pass into milk, the potential risks to a developing baby’s immune system and growth are considered too high. This medication can affect sperm production and quality. Current guidelines generally recommend that men taking this medication should also use effective contraception and wait 3 to 6 months after their last dose before trying to father a child. Methotrexate is best used with caution in older adults, as they may be more prone to its side effects.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can increase methotrexate's toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys. Also, certain antibiotics, such as sulfonamides, penicillins, and trimethoprim, can interfere with methotrexate’s metabolism, increasing its toxicity. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with methotrexate. This medication is typically given as a weekly injection, with the dosage tailored to your specific condition and your response to treatment. Inject your Metoject dose exactly once a week on the same designated day. Choose a fatty area on your abdomen or thigh and clean the skin thoroughly before starting. Pinch a fold of skin and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle to deliver the medication subcutaneously. Check out the leaflet in the medicine pack for more usage instructions. Always take your prescribed folic acid supplement on a different day to minimize potential side effects. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from heat and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Metoject?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Metoject.