FAQs:
Folitrax is the brand name of the drug methotrexate, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It offers immunosuppressive action to control the symptoms and progression of autoimmune disorders. It has multiple uses in the treatment of auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Folitrax acts by reducing inflammation and pain. It also obstructs the progression of joint damage. Folitrax is also a proven anti-cancer drug for its immunomodulatory properties.
What are the uses of Folitrax?
Folitrax has several uses, either alone or in combination with other medicines, to treat the following conditions:
– Rheumatoid arthritis: Folitrax is suitable for treating arthritis if standard treatment with NSAIDs has not provided satisfactory relief.
– Psoriasis: Folitrax helps control and reduce severe symptoms that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
– Psoriatic arthritis: The condition is common in psoriasis patients. It affects large joints of the legs or pelvis. Folitrax can control symptoms and may also slow down the disease progression.
– Cancer: Folitrax is one of the options for treating a variety of cancers.
What are the side effects of Folitrax?
Folitrax has a few side effects, like any other medicine. The most frequent side effects of Folitrax include:
– Mouth sores
– Tiredness
– Pain in the abdomen
– Nausea and vomiting
– Loss of appetite
It can cause problems in the kidneys, liver, and blood. You may become prone to infections since Folitrax has the effect of lowering your immunity. You may have to undergo routine tests to assess the effect of Folitrax on your body. Consult a physician to know how this affects you, and precautions to take during treatment.
1. Can Folitrax increase creatinine levels?
There are some reports of raised creatinine levels because of the high dosages of Folitrax to treat cancer. However, a low dose long-term treatment may not cause kidney failure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Concomitant use of nephrotoxic medicines is not suitable during the Folitrax treatment.
2. Does Folitrax help increase height?
Arthritis affects different parameters of growth in children, such as weight and height. Folitrax alone may not boost growth parameters in children who are suffering from juvenile arthritis. However, there was a slight improvement in height and weight in a study that included the combination of methotrexate (Folitrax) and another drug, etanercept.
3. Does Folitrax impact the healing of fractures?
Folitrax is a potent medicine with multiple uses, owing to its immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can negatively affect the healing of injuries and fractures because of its anti-inflammatory property. Doctors may ask you to discontinue using Folitrax before a surgery. A low dosage of Folitrax may not affect the healing of fractures.
4. Is methotrexate and Folitrax the same?
Yes, methotrexate and Folitrax are the same. Methotrexate is a generic name, while Folitrax is a brand of methotrexate by Ipca Laboratories Ltd. It is available in tablet form containing 7.5mg of methotrexate. The presentation is a blister pack of ten tablets. Folitrax is available only on a prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
5. How safe is Folitrax?
Folitrax is a safe treatment for long-term use if you use it in low dosages under medical supervision. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Routine blood and other tests are necessary to gauge the drug’s side effects on various body functions. It is not advisable to take Folitrax if you are pregnant or lactating.
6. Is Folitrax a painkiller?
No. Folitrax is not a painkiller because it does not have an analgesic effect. However, Folitrax can reduce inflammation and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis if used as per the physician’s advice. It offers a potent anti-inflammatory action and can relieve rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and cancer.
7. Is Folitrax a steroid?
No, Folitrax is not a steroid. Steroids are artificial versions of hormones, such as anabolic steroids or corticosteroids. Folitrax is a brand of methotrexate, which is a DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug). It has immunosuppressant and disease-modifying actions. These properties make it extremely useful to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and cancer.
8. Does Folitrax have a steroid?
No. Steroids are designed to act like hormones for anti-inflammatory purposes. Folitrax does not contain steroids, although it still offers an anti-inflammatory action to treat rheumatoid arthritis. You may use it along with steroids to treat psoriasis and arthritic conditions. However, like steroids, take Folitrax as per your physician’s recommendation because of the potential side effects and other contraindications.
9. Is Folitrax safe?
Folitrax is safe if you use it as per your physician’s advice. Periodic blood tests and other medical examinations are vital during treatment. Folitrax treatment is not safe during pregnancy and lactation. Patients with kidney and liver diseases may require adjustment of dosages. Visit an expert physician to know all the side effects and precautions you must take during treatment.
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Side Effects:
– Tiredness
– Pain in the abdomen
– Nausea and vomiting
– Loss of appetite
References:
More about Folitrax:
It can cause problems in the kidneys, liver, and blood. You may become prone to infections since Folitrax has the effect of lowering your immunity. You may have to undergo routine tests to assess the effect of Folitrax on your body. Consult a physician to know how this affects you, and precautions to take during treatment.