Trexall

Last updated on RxList: 6/25/2021

Drug Summary

What Is Trexall?

Trexall (methotrexate) is an antimetabolite drug that is used to treat some cancers, severe skin diseases such as severe psoriasis, and to treat forms of rheumatoid arthritis. Trexall is available in generic form as methotrexate.

What Are Side Effects of Trexall?

Side effects of Trexall include:

  • inflammation of the mouth and lips,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • upset stomach,
  • abdominal pain,
  • dizziness,
  • tired feeling,
  • headache,
  • bleeding gums,
  • blurred vision, and
  • leukopenia (low number of white cells in blood).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Trexall including:

  • dry cough,
  • shortness of breath,
  • diarrhea,
  • white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips,
  • blood in your urine or stools,
  • urinating less than usual or not at all,
  • fever,
  • chills,
  • body aches,
  • flu symptoms,
  • sore throat and headache with a severe blistering/peeling/red skin rash,
  • pale skin,
  • easy bruising or bleeding,
  • weakness,
  • stomach pain,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dark urine,
  • clay-colored stools, or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Severe side effects occur more frequently in patients taking the high doses of Trexall.

Dosage for Trexall

Trexall is supplied in 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 mg tablets. The dose is designed for each patient's problem and can range from about 7.5 mg per week to 30 mg per day, depending on the disease process and the doctor's judgment. Trexall has been used in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but most doses were individualized.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Trexall?

Trexall may interact with azathioprine, chloramphenicol, hydroxychloroquine, retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, steroids, sulfa drugs, phenytoin, probenecid, tetracycline, theophylline, gold treatments, oral diabetes medications, penicillin antibiotics, medicines that reduce stomach acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or salicylates such as aspirin and others. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Trexall During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

This drug should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to likely harm to the fetus or infant.

Additional Information

Our Trexall Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

WARNING

METHOTREXATE SHOULD BE USED ONLY BY PHYSICIANS WHOSE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE INCLUDE THE USE OF ANTIMETABOLITE THERAPY.

BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS TOXIC REACTIONS (WHICH CAN BE FATAL):

METHOTREXATE SHOULD BE USED ONLY IN LIFE THREATENING NEOPLASTIC DISEASES, OR IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS OR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH SEVERE, RECALCITRANT, DISABLING DISEASE WHICH IS NOT ADEQUATELY RESPONSIVE TO OTHER FORMS OF THERAPY.

DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH THE USE OF METHOTREXATE IN THE TREATMENT OF MALIGNANCY, PSORIASIS, AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. PATIENTS SHOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED FOR BONE MARROW, LIVER, LUNG AND KIDNEY TOXICITIES. (See PRECAUTIONS.)

PATIENTS SHOULD BE INFORMED BY THEIR PHYSICIAN OF THE RISKS INVOLVED AND BE UNDER A PHYSICIAN'S CARE THROUGHOUT THERAPY.

  1. Methotrexate has been reported to cause fetal death and/or congenital anomalies. Therefore, it is not recommended for women of childbearing potential unless there is clear medical evidence that the benefitsa can be expected to outweigh the considered risks. Pregnant women with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis should not receive methotrexate. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS.)
  2. Methotrexate elimination is reduced in patients with impaired renal function, ascites, or pleural effusions. Such patients require especially careful monitoring for toxicity, and require dose reduction or, in some cases, discontinuation of methotrexate administration.
  3. Unexpectedly severe (sometimes fatal) bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia and gastrointestinal toxicity have been reported with concomitant administration of methotrexate (usually in high dosage) along with some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). (See PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS .)
  4. Methotrexate causes hepatotoxicity, fibrosis and cirrhosis, but generally only after prolonged use. Acutely, liver enzyme elevations are frequently seen. These are usually transient and asymptomatic, and also do not appear predictive of subsequent hepatic disease. Liver biopsy after sustained use often shows histologic changes, and fibrosis and cirrhosis have been reported; these latter lesions may not be preceded by symptoms or abnormal liver function tests in the psoriasis population. For this reason, periodic liver biopsies are usually recommended for psoriatic patients who are under long-term treatment. Persistent abnormalities in liver function tests may precede appearance of fibrosis or cirrhosis in the rheumatoid arthritis population. (See PRECAUTIONS, Organ System Toxicity, Hepatic.)
  5. Methotrexate-induced lung disease is a potentially dangerous lesion, which may occur acutely at any time during therapy and which has been reported at doses as low as 7.5 mg/week. It is not always fully reversible. Pulmonary symptoms (especially a dry, nonproductive cough) may require interruption of treatment and careful investigation.
  6. Diarrhea and ulcerative stomatitis require interruption of therapy; otherwise, hemorrhagic enteritis and death from intestinal perforation may occur.
  7. Malignant lymphomas, which may regress following withdrawal of methotrexate, may occur in patients receiving low-dose methotrexate and, thus, may not require cytotoxic treatment. Discontinue methotrexate first and, if the lymphoma does not regress, appropriate treatment should be instituted.
  8. Like other cytotoxic drugs, methotrexate may induce “tumor lysis syndrome” in patients with rapidly growing tumors. Appropriate supportive and pharmacologic measures may prevent or alleviate this complication.
  9. Severe, occasionally fatal, skin reactions have been reported following single or multiple doses of methotrexate. Reactions have occurred within days of oral, intramuscular, intravenous, or intrathecal methotrexate administration. Recovery has been reported with discontinuation of therapy. (See PRECAUTIONS, Organ System Toxicity, Skin.)
  10. Potentially fatal opportunistic infections, especially Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, may occur with methotrexate therapy.
  11. Methotrexate given concomitantly with radiotherapy may increase the risk of soft tissue necrosis and osteonecrosis.

Description for Trexall

Trexall® (methotrexate tablets USP) (formerly Amethopterin) is an antimetabolite used in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases, severe psoriasis, and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Chemically methotrexate, USP is N-[4[[(2,4-diamino-6-pteridinyl) methyl] methyl-amino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid. The structural formula is:

Trexall™ (methotrexate) Structural Formula Illustration

Trexall (methotrexate tablets USP), for oral administration, is available in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg strengths.

Each tablet contains methotrexate sodium in an amount equivalent to the labeled amount of methotrexate, USP, and contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous lactose, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized corn starch, sodium carbonate monohydrate, talc and titanium dioxide.

The 5 mg also contains: D&C yellow no. 10 aluminum lake, FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lake and FD&C yellow no. 6 aluminum lake.

The 7.5 mg also contains: FD&C blue no.1 aluminum lake.

The 10 mg also contains: FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake.

The 15 mg also contains: FD&C blue no. 2 aluminum lake and FD&C red no. 40 aluminum lake.

Uses for Trexall

Neoplastic Diseases

TREXALL is indicated for the:

  • treatment of adults and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen
  • treatment of adults with mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) as a single agent or as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen

treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphomas as part of a metronomic combination chemotherapy regimen.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

TREXALL is indicated for the treatment of adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

TREXALL is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA).

Psoriasis

TREXALL is indicated for the treatment of adults with severe psoriasis.

Dosage for Trexall

Important Dosage And Safety Information

Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential before starting TREXALL [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Instruct patients and caregivers to take the recommended dosage as directed, because medication errors have led to deaths [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

When switching the dosing regimen from oral administration to intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration, an alternative dosing regimen may be necessary.

Do not administer to patients who are unable to swallow a tablet.

TREXALL is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1

Recommended Dosage For Neoplastic Diseases

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The recommended starting dosage of TREXALL is 20 mg/m2 orally once weekly, as part of a combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen. After initiating TREXALL, periodically monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet count and adjust the dose to maintain ANC at a desirable level and for excessive myelosuppression.

Mycosis Fungoides

The recommended dosage of TREXALL is 25 mg to 75 mg orally once weekly when administered as a single agent or 10 mg/m2 orally twice weekly as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.

Relapsed Or Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

The recommended dosage of methotrexate is 2.5 mg orally 2 to 4 times per week (maximum 10 mg per week) as part of a metronomic combination chemotherapy regimen.

Recommended Dosage For Rheumatoid Arthritis

The recommended starting dosage of TREXALL is 7.5 mg orally once weekly with escalation to achieve optimal response. Dosages of more than 20 mg once weekly result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, including myelosuppression. When responses are observed, the majority occurred between 3 and 6 weeks from initiation of treatment; however, responses have occurred up to 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

Administer folic acid or folinic acid to reduce the risk of TREXALL adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Recommended Dosage For Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

The recommended starting dosage of TREXALL is 10 mg/m2 orally once weekly with escalation to achieve optimal response. Dosages of more than 30 mg/m2 once weekly result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, including myelosuppression. When responses are observed, the majority occurred between 3 and 6 weeks from initiation of treatment; however, responses have occurred up to 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

Administer folic acid or folinic acid to reduce the risk of TREXALL adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Recommended Dosage For Psoriasis

The recommended dosage of TREXALL is 10 mg to 25 mg orally once weekly until an adequate response is achieved. Adjust the dose gradually to achieve optimal clinical response; do not exceed a dose of 30 mg per week. Once optimal clinical response has been achieved, reduce the dosage to the lowest possible dosing regimen.

Administer folic acid or folinic acid supplementation to reduce the risk of TREXALL adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Dosage Modifications For Adverse Reactions

Discontinue TREXALL for:

  • Anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Lymphoproliferative disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Withhold, dose reduce or discontinue TREXALL as appropriate for:

  • Myelosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Withhold or discontinue TREXALL as appropriate for:

  • Severe gastrointestinal toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Pulmonary toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Severe dermatologic reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Severe renal toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Serious infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Neurotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Stremgths

Tablets:

5 mg

Green, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 927/5 on the other side.

7.5 mg

Blue, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 928/7½ on the other side.

10 mg

Pink, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 929/10 on the other side.

15 mg

Purple, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 945/15 on the other side.

Storage And Handling

TREXALL® (methotrexate tablets, USP) are supplied as follows:

5 mg: Green, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 927/5 on the other side. They are available in bottles of 30 tablets (NDC 51285-366-01).

7.5 mg: Blue, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 928/7½ on the other side. They are available in bottles of 30 tablets (NDC 51285-367-01).

10 mg: Pink, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 929/10 on the other side. They are available in bottles of 30 tablets (NDC 51285-368-01).

15 mg: Purple, oval-shaped, film-coated, scored, biconvex tablet. Debossed with stylized b on one side and 945/15 on the other side. They are available in bottles of 30 tablets (NDC 51285-369-01).

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect from light.

KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Methotrexate is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.

REFERENCES

1. “OSHA Hazardous Drugs.” OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html.

Manufactured For: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Parsippany, NJ 07054. Revised: Apr 2021

Side Effects for Trexall

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Myelosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Gastrointestinal Toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Pulmonary Toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Dermatologic Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Renal Toxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Serious Infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Neurotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Secondary Malignancies [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions Due to Third-Space Accumulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials and other studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Common adverse reactions were: ulcerative stomatitis, leukopenia, nausea, and abdominal distress. Other clinically relevant adverse reactions were infection, malaise, fatigue, chills, fever, and dizziness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common adverse reactions of methotrexate that exceeded the rate of placebo in 12- to 18-week double-blind studies in patients (n=128) with rheumatoid arthritis are listed below.

Patients received methotrexate 7.5 mg to 15 mg orally once weekly. Most patients received concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some also received corticosteroids. Hepatic histology was not examined in these short-term studies.

Incidence ≥10%: Elevated liver tests 15%, nausea/vomiting 10%
Incidence 3% to <10%: Stomatitis, thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100,000/mm3)
Incidence 1% to <3%: Rash/pruritus/dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia, leukopenia (white blood cell count < 3000/mm3), pancytopenia, dizziness

Two other controlled trials of patients (n=680) with rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate 7.5 mg to 15 mg orally once weekly showed the following serious adverse reaction:

Incidence 1%: Interstitial pneumonitis

Other less common adverse reactions were: anemia, headache, upper respiratory infection, anorexia, arthralgias, chest pain, coughing, dysuria, eye discomfort, epistaxis, fever, infection, sweating, tinnitus, vaginal discharge.

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA)

The most common adverse reactions reported in patients 2 to 18 years of age with pJIA treated with methotrexate 5 mg/m2 to 20 mg/m2 orally once weekly or 0.1 to 0.65 mg/kg orally once weekly were as follows: elevated liver tests 14%; gastrointestinal reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) 11%; stomatitis 2%; leukopenia 2%; headache 1.2%; alopecia 0.5%; dizziness 0.2%; rash 0.2%. Most patients received concomitant NSAIDs and some also received corticosteroids.

Psoriasis

In two published series of adults with psoriasis (n=204, 248) who received methotrexate up to 25 mg per week for up to 4 years, adverse reaction rates were similar to those in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, except for alopecia, photosensitivity, and “burning of skin lesions” (3% to 10% each). Painful plaque erosions have been reported.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of methotrexate. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure

Cardiovascular: Thromboembolic events (including arterial thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, retinal vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and pulmonary embolus), pericarditis, pericardial effusion, hypotension, sudden death

Endocrine: Diabetes

Eye: Optic neuropathy, blurred vision, ocular pain, conjunctivitis, xerophthalmia

Gastrointestinal: Hemorrhagic enteritis, intestinal perforation, gingivitis, pancreatitis, pharyngitis, hematemesis, melena, gastrointestinal ulceration

Hematology: Aplastic anemia, lymphadenopathy, hypogammaglobulinemia

Hepatobiliary: Acute hepatitis, decreased serum albumin, fibrosis, cirrhosis

Immune system: Anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, vasculitis

Metabolism: Hyperglycemia

Musculoskeletal: Stress fracture, soft tissue and bone necrosis, arthralgia, myalgia, osteoporosis

Nervous system: Headaches, drowsiness, blurred vision, speech impairment (including dysarthria and aphasia), transient cognitive dysfunction, mood alteration, unusual cranial sensations, paresis, encephalopathy, and convulsions.

Renal: Azotemia, hematuria, proteinuria, cystitis

Reproductive: Defective oogenesis or spermatogenesis, loss of libido, impotence, gynecomastia, menstrual dysfunction

Respiratory: Pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, chronic interstitial obstructive pulmonary disease, pleuritic pain and thickening, alveolitis

Skin: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, skin necrosis, and erythema multiforme, erythematous rashes, pruritus, alopecia, skin ulceration, accelerated nodulosis, urticaria, pigmentary changes, ecchymosis, telangiectasia, photosensitivity, acne, furunculosis

Drug Interactions for Trexall

Effects Of Other Drugs On Methotrexate

Drugs That Increase Methotrexate Exposure

Coadministration of methotrexate with the following products may increase methotrexate plasma concentrations, which may increase the risk of methotrexate severe adverse reactions. In some cases, the coadministration of methotrexate with these products may also subsequently reduce active metabolite formation, which may decrease the clinical effectiveness of methotrexate. Increased organ specific adverse reactions may also occur when methotrexate is coadministered with hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic products.

If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor closely for methotrexate adverse reactions when coadministered with:

  • Oral antibiotics (including neomycin)
  • Antifolate drugs (e.g., dapsone, pemetrexed, pyrimethamine and sulfonamides)
  • Oral or intravenous penicillin or sulfonamide antibiotics
  • Aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
  • Hepatotoxic products
  • Highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., oral anticoagulants, phenytoin, salicylates, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, and tetracyclines)
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Weak acids (e.g., salicylates)
  • Nephrotoxic products
  • Probenecid
Nitrous Oxide

Coadministration of methotrexate with nitrous oxide anesthesia potentiates the effect of methotrexate on folate-dependent metabolic pathways, which may increase the risk of severe methotrexate adverse reactions. Avoid nitrous oxide anesthesia in patients receiving methotrexate. Consider alternative therapies in patients who have received prior nitrous oxide anesthesia.

Folic Acid

Coadministration of methotrexate with folic acid or its derivatives decreases the clinical effectiveness of methotrexate in patients with neoplastic diseases. Methotrexate competes with reduced folates for active transport across cell membranes. Instruct patients to take folic or folinic acid only as directed by their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Warnings for Trexall

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

Precautions for Trexall

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on published reports and its mechanism of action, methotrexate can cause fetal harm, including fetal death, when administered to a pregnant woman. Methotrexate is contraindicated for use in pregnant women receiving TREXALL for the treatment of non-malignant diseases. Advise pregnant women with neoplastic diseases of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TREXALL and for 6 months after the final dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during TREXALL treatment and for 3 months after the final dose [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Use In Specific Populations].

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with TREXALL [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

If anaphylaxis or other serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, immediately and permanently discontinue TREXALL [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Myelosuppression

TREXALL suppresses hematopoiesis and can cause severe and life-threatening pancytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Obtain blood counts at baseline, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Monitor patients for clinical complications of myelosuppression. Withhold, dose reduce, or discontinue methotrexate taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomatitis occurred in up to 10% of patients receiving TREXALL for treatment of non-neoplastic diseases. Hemorrhagic enteritis and fatal intestinal perforation have been reported [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Patients with peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis are at a greater risk of developing severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Withhold or discontinue TREXALL for severe gastrointestinal toxicity taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Hepatotoxicity

TREXALL can cause severe and potentially irreversible hepatotoxicity, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatal liver failure [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The safety of TREXALL in patients with hepatic disease is unknown.

The risk of hepatotoxicity is increased with heavy alcohol consumption. In patients with psoriasis, fibrosis or cirrhosis may occur in the absence of symptoms or abnormal liver tests; the risk of hepatotoxicity appears to increase with total cumulative dose and generally occurs after receipt of a total cumulative dose of 1.5 g or more.

Monitor liver tests at baseline, periodically during treatment and as clinically indicated. Withhold or discontinue TREXALL taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Pulmonary Toxicity

Pulmonary toxicity, including acute or chronic interstitial pneumonitis and irreversible or fatal cases, can occur with TREXALL [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Monitor patients for pulmonary toxicity and withhold or discontinue methotrexate taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Dermatologic Reactions

Severe, including fatal dermatologic reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens- Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, skin necrosis, and erythema multiforme, can occur with TREXALL [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation while taking methotrexate may aggravate psoriasis.

TREXALL can cause radiation recall dermatitis and photodermatitis (sunburn) reactivation.

Monitor patients for dermatologic toxicity and withhold or permanently discontinue TREXALL for severe dermatologic reactions taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Advise patients to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection measures.

Renal Toxicity

TREXALL can cause renal toxicity, including irreversible acute renal failure [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Monitor renal function at baseline, periodically during treatment and as clinically indicated. Withhold or discontinue TREXALL for severe renal toxicity taking into account the importance of TREXALL treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Administer glucarpidase in patients with toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (> 1 micromole per liter) and delayed TREXALL clearance due to impaired renal function. Refer to the glucarpidase prescribing information for additional information.

Risk Of Serious Adverse Reactions With Medication Error

Deaths occurred in patients as a result of medication errors. Most commonly, these errors occurred in patients who were taking TREXALL daily when a weekly dosing regimen was prescribed.

For patients prescribed a once weekly dosing regimen, instruct patients and caregivers to take the recommended dosage as directed, because medication errors have led to death.

Folic Acid Supplementation

Neoplastic Diseases

Products containing folic acid or its derivatives may decrease the clinical effectiveness of methotrexate. Therefore, instruct patients not to take products containing folic acid or folinic acid unless directed to do so by their healthcare provider.

Non-Neoplastic Diseases

Folate deficiency may increase TREXALL adverse reactions. Administer folic acid or folinic acid for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, pJIA, and psoriasis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Serious Infections

Patients treated with TREXALL are at increased risk for developing life-threatening or fatal bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, including opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, invasive fungal infections, hepatitis B reactivation, tuberculosis primary infection or reactivation, and disseminated Herpes zoster and cytomegalovirus infections [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Monitor patients for infection during and after treatment with methotrexate. Withhold or discontinue methotrexate for serious infections taking into account the importance of methotrexate treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Neurotoxicity

TREXALL can cause severe acute and chronic neurotoxicity, which can be progressive, irreversible, and fatal [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The risk of leukoencephalopathy is increased in patients who received prior cranial radiation.

Monitor patients for neurotoxicity and withhold or discontinue TREXALL taking into account the importance of methotrexate treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Secondary Malignancies

Secondary malignancies can occur with TREXALL [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The risk of cutaneous malignancies is further increased when cyclosporine is administered to patients with psoriasis who received prior methotrexate.

In some cases, lymphoproliferative disease occurring during therapy with low-dose TREXALL regressed completely following withdrawal of methotrexate. If lymphoproliferative disease occurs, discontinue methotrexate [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

TREXALL can induce tumor lysis syndrome in patients with rapidly growing tumors. Institute appropriate prophylactic measures in patients at risk for tumor lysis syndrome prior to initiation of TREXALL.

Immunization And Risks Associated With Live Vaccines

Disseminated infections following administration of live vaccines have been reported. Immunization with live vaccines is not recommended during treatment. Follow current vaccination practice guidelines for administration of immunizations in patients receiving TREXALL.

Update immunizations according to immunization guidelines prior to initiating methotrexate. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of methotrexate should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

Infertility

Based on published reports, methotrexate can cause impairment of fertility, oligospermia, and menstrual dysfunction. It is not known if the infertility may be reversible. Discuss the risk of infertility with females and males of reproductive potential [see Use In Specific Populations].

Increased Risk Of Adverse Reactions Due To Third-Space Accumulation

Methotrexate accumulates in third-spaces (e.g., pleural effusions or ascites), which results in prolonged elimination and increases the risk of adverse reactions. Evacuate significant third- space accumulations prior to methotrexate administration taking into account the importance of methotrexate treatment in the context of the severity of the disease being treated, the severity of the adverse drug reaction, and availability of alternative therapy.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
  • Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
  • Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TREXALL and for 6 months after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
  • Advise males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TREXALL and for 3 months after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Hypersensitivity Reactions

Advise patients and their caregivers of the potential risk of hypersensitivity and that TREXALL is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to TREXALL. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for signs of a hypersensitivity reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Myelosuppression And Serious Infections

Inform patients and their caregivers that TREXALL can cause myelosuppression and the need for frequent monitoring of blood cell counts. Advise patients and their caregivers to immediately report new onset fever, symptoms of infection, easy bruising or persistent bleeding to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Advise patients and their caregivers to report new or worsening diarrhea, vomiting, or stomatitis to their healthcare provider. Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for high fever, rigors, persistent or severe abdominal pain, severe constipation, hematemesis, or melena [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hepatotoxicity

Advise patients and their caregivers to report signs or symptoms of hepatic toxicity to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pulmonary Toxicity

Advise patients and their caregivers to report new or worsening cough, fever, or dyspnea to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Dermatologic Reactions

Advise patients and their caregivers that TREXALL can cause serious skin rash and to immediately contact their healthcare provider for new or worsening skin rash. Advise patients and their caregivers to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection measures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Renal Toxicity

Advise patients and their caregivers to immediately contact their healthcare provider for signs or symptoms of renal toxicity, such as marked increases or decreases in urinary output [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Risk Of Serious Adverse Reactions With Medication Error

For patients who are prescribed a once weekly dosing regimen, advise patients and caregivers that the recommended dosage is to be taken once weekly as a single dose and that mistakenly taking the recommended weekly dosage once daily has led to fatal adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Neurotoxicity

Advise patients and their caregivers to report new neurological signs or symptoms to their healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Secondary Malignancies

Advise patients on the risk of second primary malignancies during treatment with TREXALL [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Lactation

Instruct women not to breastfeed during treatment with TREXALL and for 1 week after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations].

Infertility

Advise females and males of reproductive potential that TREXALL may impair fertility [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].

Drug Interactions

Advise patients and caregivers to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including prescription medicines, over-thecounter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Methotrexate has been evaluated in a number of animal studies for carcinogenic potential with inconclusive results. There is evidence that methotrexate causes chromosomal damage to animal somatic cells and human bone marrow cells.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnant women with non-neoplastic diseases [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Based on published reports and its mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], methotrexate can cause embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal death when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no animal data that meet current standards for nonclinical developmental toxicity studies. Advise pregnant women with neoplastic diseases of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

Published data from case reports, literature reviews, and observational studies report that methotrexate exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal death. Methotrexate exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions and multiple adverse developmental outcomes, including skull anomalies, facial dysmorphism, central nervous system abnormalities, limb abnormalities, and sometimes cardiac anomalies and intellectual impairment. Adverse outcomes associated with exposure during second and third trimesters of pregnancy include intrauterine growth restriction and functional abnormalities. Because methotrexate is widely distributed and persists in the body for a prolonged period, there is a potential risk to the fetus from preconception methotrexate exposure.

A prospective multicenter study evaluated pregnancy outcomes in women taking methotrexate less than or equal to 30 mg/week after conception. The rate of spontaneous abortion and miscarriage in pregnant women exposed to methotrexate was 42% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 29, 59), which was higher than in unexposed patients with autoimmune disease (22%; 95% CI: 17, 30) and unexposed patients with nonautoimmune disease (17%; 95% CI: 13, 23). Of the live births, the rate of major birth defects in pregnant women exposed to methotrexate after conception was higher than in unexposed patients with autoimmune disease (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.8 [95% CI: 0.6, 6]) and unexposed patients with non-autoimmune disease (adjusted OR 3.1 [95% CI: 1, 10]) (2.9%). Major birth defects associated with pregnancies exposed to methotrexate after conception were not always consistent with methotrexate-associated adverse developmental outcomes.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Limited published literature report the presence of methotrexate in human milk in low amounts, with the highest breast milk to plasma concentration ratio reported to be 0.08:1. There are no data on the effects of methotrexate or its metabolites on the breastfed child or their effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, instruct women not to breastfeed during treatment with methotrexate and for 1 week after the final dose.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Methotrexate can cause malformations and fetal death at doses less than or equal to the recommended clinical doses [Pregnancy].

Pregnancy Testing

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating methotrexate [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Pregnancy].

Contraception

Females

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate and for 6 months after the final dose.

Males

Methotrexate can cause chromosomal damage to sperm cells. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate and for 3 months after the final dose.

Infertility

Females

Based on published reports of female infertility after methotrexate, advise females of reproductive potential that methotrexate can cause impairment of fertility and menstrual dysfunction during treatment with methotrexate and after the final dose. It is not known if the infertility may be reversed in all affected females.

Males

Based on published reports of male infertility after methotrexate, advise males that methotrexate can cause oligospermia or infertility during treatment with methotrexate and after the final dose. It is not known if the infertility may be reversed in all affected males.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of methotrexate in pediatric patients have been established for the treatment of ALL as part of the combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen and the treatment of pJIA [see INDICATIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. No new safety signals have been observed in pediatric patients in clinical studies [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

The safety and effectiveness of methotrexate have not been established in pediatric patients for the other indications [see INDICATIONS].

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of methotrexate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Renal Impairment

Methotrexate elimination is reduced in patients with renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Patients with renal impairment are at increased risk for methotrexate adverse reactions. Closely monitor patients with renal impairment [creatinine clearance (CLcr) less than 90 mL/min, Cockcroft-Gault] for adverse reactions. Reduce the dosage or discontinue methotrexate as appropriate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hepatic Impairment

The pharmacokinetics and safety of methotrexate in patients with hepatic impairment is unknown. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk for methotrexate adverse reactions based on the elimination characteristics of methotrexate [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Closely monitor patients with hepatic impairment for adverse reactions. Reduce the dosage or discontinue methotrexate as appropriate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Overdose Information for Trexall

Overdosage, including fatal overdosage, has occurred with TREXALL [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Manifestations

Manifestations of TREXALL overdosage include adverse reactions reported at pharmacologic doses, particularly hematologic and gastrointestinal reactions (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, pancytopenia, myelosuppression, mucositis, stomatitis, oral ulceration, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal ulceration, or gastrointestinal bleeding). In some cases, no symptoms were reported; however, sepsis or septic shock, renal failure, and aplastic anemia were also reported.

Management

Leucovorin and levoleucovorin are indicated for diminishing the methotrexate adverse reactions of TREXALL overdosage. Administer leucovorin or levoleucovorin as soon as possible after TREXALL overdosage). Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels to guide leucovorin or levoleucovorin therapy. Refer to the leucovorin or levoleucovorin prescribing information for additional dosage information.

Glucarpidase is indicated for the treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (>1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function. Refer to the glucarpidase prescribing information for additional dosage information.

Administer concomitant hydration and urinary alkalinization.

Neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis has been shown to improve methotrexate elimination; however, methotrexate has been effectively cleared with acute, intermittent hemodialysis using a high-flux dialyzer.

Contraindications for Trexall

TREXALL is contraindicated in:

  • Pregnant women receiving TREXALL for treatment of non-neoplastic diseases [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and Use In Specific Populations].

Patients with a history of a severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to TREXALL [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Clinical Pharmacology for Trexall

Mechanism Of Action

Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase. Dihydrofolates must be reduced to tetrahydrofolates by this enzyme before they can be utilized as carriers of one-carbon groups in the synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymidylate. Therefore, methotrexate interferes with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. Actively proliferating tissues such as malignant cells, bone marrow, fetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and cells of the urinary bladder are in general more sensitive to this effect of methotrexate.

The mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis and in psoriasis is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

At doses of 30 mg/m2 or less, the mean bioavailability is approximately 60%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 0.75 to 6 hours following oral administration. Methotrexate may undergo enterohepatic recirculation; however, this pathway has not been fully characterized.

Effect of Food

Food has been shown to delay absorption and reduce peak concentration.

Distribution

Methotrexate in serum is approximately 50% protein bound.

Methotrexate does not penetrate the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier at concentrations achieved with the recommended dosages.

Elimination

The elimination half-life of methotrexate is approximately 3 to 10 hours.

Small amounts of methotrexate polyglutamates may remain in tissues for extended periods. The retention and prolonged drug action of these active metabolites vary among different cells, tissues, and tumors.

Nonlinear elimination due to saturation of renal tubular reabsorption has been observed in studies of patients with psoriasis receiving methotrexate doses between 7.5 mg and 30 mg.

Metabolism

Methotrexate is partially metabolized by intestinal flora after oral administration.

Methotrexate primarily undergoes hepatic and intracellular metabolism to active polyglutamated forms which can be converted back to methotrexate by hydrolase enzymes. Methotrexate also undergoes minor metabolism to active 7-hydroxymethotrexate.

Excretion

Methotrexate primarily undergoes renal excretion by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion that is dependent upon dosage and route of administration.

Biliary excretion accounts for ≤10% of the methotrexate dose.

Specific Populations

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate is unknown.

Pediatric Patients

In pediatric patients with leukemia, oral absorption (23% to 95%) of methotrexate is variable and dose-dependent. The difference between highest and lowest peak methotrexate concentrations (Cmax 0.11 to 2.3 micromolar after a 20 mg/m2 dose) was 20-fold. The time to peak concentration (Tmax 0.67 to 4 hours after a 15 mg/m2 dose) and fraction of dose absorbed is variable. The absorption of doses greater than 40 mg/m2 is significantly less than that of lower doses.

In pediatric patients with pJIA, plasma concentrations of methotrexate are variable. Following oral administration of methotrexate 6.4 mg/m /week to 11.2 mg/m2 /week, mean serum concentrations were 0.59 micromolar (0.03 to 1.40) at 1 hour, 0.44 micromolar (0.01 to 1.00) at 2 hours, and 0.29 micromolar (0.06 to 0.58) at 3 hours.

In pediatric patients receiving methotrexate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (6.3 mg/m2 to 30 mg/m2) or for JIA (3.75 mg/m2 to 26.2 mg/m2), the terminal half-life has been reported to range from 0.7 to 5.8 hours or from 0.9 to 2.3 hours, respectively.

Patients With Renal impairment

The elimination half-life of methotrexate is variable and increases with the severity of renal impairment.

Patient Information for Trexall

TREXALL®
(methotrexate tablets)

What is the most important information I should know about TREXALL?

Methotrexate can cause serious side effects that may be severe and lead to death, including:

Harm to an unborn baby, including birth defects or death of an unborn baby. Females who can become pregnant:

  • Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start taking TREXALL to see if you are pregnant.
    • If you are being treated for a medical condition other than cancer, do not take TREXALL if you are pregnant. See “Who should not take TREXALL?”
    • If you are taking TREXALL to treat your cancer, you and your healthcare provider will decide if you will take TREXALL if you are pregnant.
    • Use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 6 months after your final dose of TREXALL. Ask your healthcare provider what forms of birth control you can use during this time.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with TREXALL.

Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:

  • Use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your final dose of TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if your female partner becomes pregnant during treatment with TREXALL.

Severe allergic reactions. Severe allergic reactions can happen with TREXALL. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:

  • skin rash, itching and hives
  • fast heart rate
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • feeling faint
  • dizziness
  • stomach-area pain
  • trouble breathing
  • ·vomiting or diarrhea
  • wheezing

Do not take TREXALL if you have had a severe allergic reaction to TREXALL in the past.

Get medical help right away if you develop any of the signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction listed above.

Decreased blood cell counts. TREXALL can affect your bone marrow and cause decreases in red blood counts, white blood cell counts, and platelets that can be severe and life-threatening.

  • Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell counts when you start and during treatment with TREXALL.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following:

  • a new fever
  • symptoms of infection
  • Easy bruising or bleeding that will not stop (persistent bleeding)

Severe stomach and intestine problems (gastrointestinal) problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new or worsening diarrhea, vomiting, or mouth sores during treatment with TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop high fever, shaking chills (rigors), pain in your stomach- area (abdomen) that will not go away or is severe, severe constipation, if you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stools.

Liver problems. TREXALL can cause severe liver problems including liver scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and liver failure that may not get better (possibly irreversible) and can cause death.

  • Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and mouth sores can happen in people who take TREXALL.
  • Inflammation of the intestine with severe bleeding and a tear in the intestinal wall (perforation) have happened with TREXALL and cause death.
  • People who have stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease) or ulcerative colitis (UC) have a greater risk of developing severe stomach or intestine problems with TREXALL.
  • In people with psoriasis who take TREXALL, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis may happen without any symptoms or abnormal liver tests. The risk for liver problems in people with psoriasis increases as with the amount of TREXALL that you take over time.
  • Your healthcare provider will do tests to monitor your liver function before you start and during treatment with TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs or symptoms of liver problems during treatment with TREXALL, including:

  • tiredness
  • swelling in your legs, feet or ankles
  • easy bleeding or bruising
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • itchy skin
  • nausea
  • yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes
  • difficulty thinking clearly
  • weakness

Lung problems. Lung problems can happen suddenly (acute) with TREXALL or they can develop over a long period- of-time (chronic). Lung problems may not get better (possibly irreversible) and can cause death.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening symptoms including: cough (especially a dry cough), fever, or trouble breathing.

Severe skin reactions. Severe skin reactions can happen with TREXALL and can lead to death.

  • In people with psoriasis: Your psoriasis may get worse if you are exposed to sunlight or other types of ultraviolet light.
  • TREXALL can cause reactivation of skin reactions that can happen after radiation therapy (radiation recall dermatitis) and cause sunburn to come back (photodermatitis).

Limit sunlight exposure during treatment with TREXALL. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you will be exposed to sunlight during treatment with methotrexate.

Tell your healthcare provider right away about any new or worsening skin rash during treatment with TREXALL.

Kidney problems. Kidney problems can happen with TREXALL, including kidney failure which can happen suddenly (acute) and may not go away (irreversible).

Your healthcare provider will check your kidney function before you start and during treatment with TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney problems, including:

  • a big change (either increase or decrease) in the amount of urine
  • shortness of breath you produce
  • tiredness
  • swelling in your legs, ankles or feet
  • weight gain

See “What are the possible side effects of TREXALL” for more information about side effects.

What is TREXALL?

TREXALL is a prescription medicine used:

  • in combination with other chemotherapy medicines in adults and children, for maintenance treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
  • to treat adults with mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
  • in combination with other therapies to treat adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has come back (relapsed) or did not respond to previous treatment (refractory)
  • to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis
  • to treat children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA)
  • to treat adults with severe psoriasis

It is not known if TREXALL is safe and effective in treating children with any disease other than ALL as part of a combination regimen used for maintenance therapy of their cancer, and for the treatment of pJIA.

It is not known if TREXALL is safe in people with liver problems.

Do not take TREXALL if you:

  • are pregnant and are being treated or will be treated with TREXALL for rheumatoid arthritis, pJIA, or severe psoriasis or for any disease other than cancer). TREXALL can cause harm to an unborn baby, including birth defects or death of an unborn baby. See “What is the most important information I should know about TREXALL?”
  • have or had a severe allergic reaction to TREXALL in the past. See “What is the most important information I should know about TREXALL?” See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in TREXALL.

Before taking TREXALL tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have problems swallowing tablets
  • have kidney problems or are receiving dialysis treatments
  • have liver problems
  • drink alcohol-containing beverages and, during treatment with TREXALL, if there are any changes in the amount of alcoholic beverages you drink
  • have fluid in your stomach-area (ascites)
  • have lung problems or fluid in your lungs (pleural effusion)
  • plan to have any surgeries with general anesthesia, including dental surgery
  • have stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)
  • have ulcerative colitis
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. You should not receive live vaccines during treatment with TREXALL.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Methotrexate may pass into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose of TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. TREXALL and certain other medicines can affect each other and cause serious side effects. Do not start or change any medicines unless you have talked to your doctor and your doctor has told you it is safe. Know all the medicines that you take and keep a list of them with you at all times to show doctors and pharmacists.

How should I take TREXALL?

  • Take TREXALL exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your dose of TREXALL and when you take it will depend on the condition that is being treated.
    • Do not take more TREXALL than prescribed. Do not change your dose of TREXALL unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
    • Taking more TREXALL than prescribed or taking TREXALL more often than prescribed, can lead to severe side effects and cause death.
    • If you take too much TREXALL call your healthcare provider or go to your nearest hospital emergency room right way. You will need to receive a medicine as soon as possible to help reduce side effects that could be severe and could cause death.
    • If you miss taking a dose of TREXALL, call your healthcare provider for instructions about when to take your next dose of TREXALL.

If you are taking TREXALL for treatment of severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis:

If you are taking TREXALL to treat your cancer:

  • Take your TREXALL dose 1 time each week, not every day. Severe side effects and death have happened in people who mistakenly have taken TREXALL every day instead of 1 time each week.
  • Take a folic acid or folinic acid supplement every day during treatment with TREXALL, as instructed by your healthcare provider, to help reduce the chance of developing certain side effects, such as mouth sores.
  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how much TREXALL to take and when to take it.
  • Do not take folic acid or folinic acid during treatment with TREXALL unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Taking folic acid or folinic acid with TREXALL may make your TREXALL treatment less effective.

What are the possible side effects of TREXALL?

TREXALL can cause serious side effects that may be severe and lead to death including:

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop a new fever or if you have any symptoms of infection during treatment with TREXALL.

Tell your healthcare provider about any new nervous system symptoms that you develop during treatment with TREXALL.

  • See “What is the most important information I should know about TREXALL”?
  • Serious infections. People who take TREXALL have an increased risk of developing infections that can be life- threatening or cause death. These infections may include: bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, including Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, invasive fungal infections, hepatitis B infection that comes back (reactivation), tuberculosis infection that may be new or reactivation, and Herpes zoster or cytomegalovirus (CMV) that spreads throughout the body (disseminated).
  • Brain and spinal cord (nervous system) problems. TREXALL can cause nervous system problems that can be severe and last for a short time or last for a long time. These nervous system problems can get progressively worse, may not get better (irreversible), and can cause death. The risk for a certain nervous system problem called leukoencephalopathy is increased in people who have had radiation treatment to their head (cranial radiation) in the past.
  • Secondary cancers. Secondary (new) cancers can happen in people who take TREXALL.
    • In people with psoriasis, the risk of new skin cancers is increased with TREXALL and further increased if you take the medicine cyclosporine after receiving treatment with TREXALL.
    • Certain blood cancers can happen during treatment with TREXALL. In some cases, these blood cancers may completely go away (regress completely) after TREXALL is stopped.
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment, abnormal heart rhythm, seizure, and sometimes death. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check you for TLS if you are receiving TREXALL as a cancer treatment.
  • Possible fertility problems (infertility) in males and females. TREXALL can cause fertility problems in males and females, and can cause sperm production to stop in males, and menstrual problems in females. Males may not be able to father a child. Females may not be able to become pregnant. It is not known if your fertility may return. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk for infertility if this is a concern for you.

The most common side effects of TREXALL include:

  • mouth sores
  • low white blood cells. See “What is the most important information I should know about TREXALL?”
  • nausea, upset stomach

These are not all the side effects of TREXALL. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store TREXALL?

  • Store TREXALL at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep TREXALL away from light.

Keep TREXALL and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of TREXALL.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use TREXALL for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TREXALL to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This leaflet summarizes the most important information about TREXALL. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TREXALL that is written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients in TREXALL?

Active Ingredient: methotrexate

Inactive Ingredients: anhydrous lactose, crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, pregelatinized corn starch, sodium carbonate monohydrate, talc and titanium dioxide.

The 5 mg also contains: D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum lake.

The 7.5 mg also contains: FD&C Blue No.1 Aluminum lake.

The 10 mg also contains: FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum lake.

The 15 mg also contains: FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum lake and FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum lake.

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.