Raltitrexed: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is Raltitrexed for?

Raltitrexed is a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. Raltitrexed is commonly used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum. This drug can also be used to treat other types of cancer, according to doctor's instructions.

Raltitrexed inhibits an enzyme that cells need to survive. This inhibits the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed. Since normal body cell growth can also be affected by raltitrexed, other effects can also occur. Some of them are serious and should be reported to a doctor. Other effects, such as hair loss, may not be serious but can be worrying.

Before you start treatment with raltitrexed, you and your doctor should discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug.

Raltitrexed should only be given by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

What are the rules for using Raltitrexed?

This medicine is sometimes given at the same time as other medicines. If you use a combination of drugs, it is important that you take each drug at the right time. If you are taking the medicine by mouth, ask your professional medical provider to help arrange for it to be taken at the right time.

This medicine usually causes nausea and vomiting that is quite severe. However, it is important that you continue treatment, even if you start to feel nauseous. Ask a medical care provider about ways to reduce these effects, especially if the effects are severe.

How do I save Raltitrexed?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Raltitrexed dosage for adults?

The dose of this drug is different for each patient. Follow your doctor's instructions or on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this drug. If your dose is different, do not change it unless according to your doctor's instructions.

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the drug. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take the drug will depend on the medical problem for which you are taking this medicine.

Parenteral dose (injection) for colorectal cancer: 3 milligrams (mg) per square meter of body surface for 15 minutes. The dose can be repeated every 3 weeks.

What is the dosage of Raltitrexed for children?

Parenteral (injection) dose for colorectal cancer: use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

In what dosages and preparations is Raltitrexed available?

Raltitrexed is available in the following dosages:

Powder for solution

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Raltitrexed?

Along with the required effect, a drug can cause unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects can occur, if they do occur they will require medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Pale skin, difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness or fatigue
• Black stool, chest pain, chills, cough, fever, pain or difficulty urinating, shortness of breath, sore throat, sore throat, ulcers, white patches on the lips or inside the mouth, swollen glands
• Increased defecation, liquid stool
• Dizziness, fainting, fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, reduced urine output, dilated neck veins, irregular breathing, swelling of the face, fingers, feet or lower legs, chest tightness, weight gain, wheezing

Some of the side effects do not usually require medical attention. These side effects can go away on their own during treatment and your body adjusts to the medication. A medical professional can also tell you ways to prevent or reduce the following side effects. Check with a medical care provider if the following side effects persist, bother you or you have any questions:

• Pain in the stomach or stomach
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss or loss of strength
• Feeling unwell, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, runny nose, chills, sweating, sleep disturbances
• Rash
• Swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, weight gain, tingling in the hands or feet.
• Hair loss, hair thinning
• Changes in the sense of taste, unpleasant taste

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What to know before using Raltitrexed?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Studies on this drug have only been conducted in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of raltitrexed in children with use in other age groups.

Elderly

The elderly are more sensitive to the effects of raltitrexed. Raltitrexed can cause side effects such as chapped lips, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, sores, ulcers, white patches on the lips, tongue or the inside of the mouth in elderly patients.

Is Raltitrexed safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Raltitrexed?

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this medicine to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Adenovirus Vaccine Type 4, Live
• Adenovirus Vaccine Type 7, Live
• Bacillus from Calmette and the Guerin vaccine, Live
• Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
• Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
• Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
• Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Varicella Virus Vaccine
• Yellow Fever Vaccine

Can food or alcohol interact with Raltitrexed?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Raltitrexed?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Chickenpox (including recent exposure)
• Shingles - Risk of serious disease affecting other parts of the body
• Infection - Raltitrexed can reduce the body's ability to fight infection
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease - The effects of raltitrexed can be increased due to the slow excretion of the body, the doctor may need to change the dose.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.