Treats an infection called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (also called PCP)
Brand Names:
NeuTrexin
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trimetrexate, leucovorin, or methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), or if you are pregnant
Uses:
Injectable
This medicine is very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
You will be given a second drug called leucovorin (Wellcovorin®) on the same days that you receive trimetrexate. You also need to be given leucovorin for 3 days after your last dose of trimetrexate. Leucovorin helps prevent some very serious side effects of trimetrexate, including possible death. Follow all of your doctor's instructions about both medicines.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Storage:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After the powder medicine has been mixed with the liquid, you should use it right away. If you must store the mixture in the refrigerator, store it only up to 24 hours. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover or outdated medicine and used IV bags, vials, or tubing.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir®), erythromycin (Erythro-Tab®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®), rifabutin (Mycobutin®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), acetaminophen, (Tylenol®), or medicine to treat fungal infections (such as clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Nizoral®, Sporanox®).
Warnings:
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or blood problems.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
High fever (over 105 degrees)
Lightheadedness or fainting
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
