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Dr. Radhika Dua
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
05 Dec 2023 | 06:14 PM (IST)

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Home>Leetrexate>leetrexate 5mg tablet

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet

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Product introduction

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus. It is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe and uncontrolled psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.

It is an antimetabolite

Uses of Leetrexate Tablet

Benefits of Leetrexate Tablet

In Treatment of Cancer

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors found in breast, lung, bladder, head and neck as well as cervical, ovarian and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis if other treatments have already been tried and have not worked. It is not a first-line treatment. It works by reducing the body's immune system, this decreases swelling, reduces pain, stiffness, and improves function. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective.

In Treatment of Psoriasis

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites. It may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. Psoriasis is a condition where the skin cells in the body grow too quickly. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet works by killing these fast-growing cells. It is potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Take it exactly as prescribed and for as long as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. DO NOT take more than you should. It may take several months to become fully effective. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Treatment of Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease of the intestines. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and pain in your abdomen. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet helps reduce the inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and prevent them from coming back.

Side effects of Leetrexate Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Leetrexate

  • Ulcerative stomatitis
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increased liver enzymes
  • Hair loss
  • Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)

How to use Leetrexate Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Leetrexate Tablet works

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet inhibits enzymes (dihydrofolate reductase), prevents cell division and leads to anti-inflammatory actions. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet kills cancer cells by preventing them from making DNA. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet can help control psoriasis by retarding the production of skin cells and suppressing inflammation. Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system, preventing it from attacking the body's cells. This helps reduce the inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis, or damage to bowel in Crohn's disease.

Safety advice

Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Leetrexate 5mg Tablet.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

What if you forget to take Leetrexate Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Leetrexate 5mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Leetrexate 5mg Tablet
₹4.15/Tablet
Folitrax 5 Tablet
Ipca Laboratories Ltd
₹4.4/tablet
6% costlier
Oncotrex 5 Tablet
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹4.4/tablet
6% costlier
Mext 5 Tablet
Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
₹4.24/tablet
2% costlier
Imusis 5mg Tablet
Rivan Pharma
₹4.68/tablet
13% costlier
Psoriax 5mg Tablet
Cannote Healthcare
₹3.95/tablet
5% cheaper

Quick tips

  • Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this  medication.
  • Take folic acid if advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine.
  • It may take from weeks to months for Leetrexate 5mg Tablet to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood test done to monitor your kidney function, liver function and level of blood cells in your blood.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects.
  • It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after your last dose.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Glutamic Acid Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Antimetabolite- Methotrexate

Patient concerns

arrow
I have joint pain in my rt wrist since 6 yrs. What are the possible reasons?
Dr. Trilok Kumar Jha
Orthopaedics
It may be Tenosynovitis, or Rheumatoid arthritis or any other type of arthritis
MORE
Is there any permanent cure for rheumatoid arthritis doctor?
Dr. Vipul Aggarwal
Orthopaedics
The disease can be controlled with medicines and regular exercises it is an autoimmune disease and there will always be waxing and waning phenomena sometimes the disease process will be very much controlled but it can get aggravated no one can actually predict the cause of the disease It's always better to consult a remark largest as they deal with that betterLet me know if I can help you in any other way
MORE
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FAQs

Can Leetrexate 5mg Tablet cause mouth ulcers?

Yes, Leetrexate 5mg Tablet can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.

Why do I have to take folic acid with Leetrexate 5mg Tablet?

Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Leetrexate 5mg Tablet decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Leetrexate 5mg Tablet such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.

Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Leetrexate 5mg Tablet?

Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Leetrexate 5mg Tablet and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.

Can Leetrexate 5mg Tablet use make me more prone to infections?

Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Leetrexate 5mg Tablet use. If you have an active infection, Leetrexate 5mg Tablet should be used with extreme caution.

Can Leetrexate 5mg Tablet affect fertility?

Yes, Leetrexate 5mg Tablet may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.

What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Leetrexate 5mg Tablet?

You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is taking Leetrexate 5mg Tablet. Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.
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    Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

    References

    1. Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 944-46.
    2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 887-90.
    3. Methotrexate [Prescribing Information]. Eatontown, NJ: West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp.; 2020. [Accessed 19 Apr. 2023] (online) Available from: External Link
    4. Methotrexate [Product Label]. New York, NY: Pfizer Inc.; 2022. [Accessed 19 Apr. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link
    5. Methotrexate [Drug Label]. Sandton, South Africa: Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Ltd.; 2022 [Accessed 19 Apr. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link
    6. Walfish AE, Companioni RA. Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. [Updated Sep. 2022]. [Accessed 19 Apr. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link
    7. Crohn's & Colitis, UK. Methotrexate [Information Sheet]. [Accessed 19 Apr. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link
    8. CiplaMed. Methotrexate [Prescribing Information]. [Last Reviewed: Feb 2019]. [Accessed 11 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:External Link

    Marketer details

    Name: Johnlee Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
    Address: 42/44, Babu Genu Road, Shop No. 06, 2nd Floor, Om Shanti Co-op Housing Society, Kalbadevi Road, Mumbai-400002. (India)
    Country of origin: India
    Expires on or after: February, 2025

    A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Leetrexate 5mg Tablet. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.

    In case of any issues, contact us

    Email ID: [email protected]
    Phone Number: 0124-4166666
    Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
    ₹35.28₹83Get 57% OFF
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