apollo
0
Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Merex 500 Injection belongs to the class of antimetabolite medications used in the treatment of polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, bone cancer, and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. This medicine works by interfering with the immune system process that causes inflammation and prevents the growth of cancer-causing cells.
Read more
rxMedicinePrescription drug

Whats That

tooltip

Composition :

METHOTREXATE-25MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Consume Type :

PARENTERAL

Return Policy :

3 Days Returnable

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

About Merex 500 Injection

Merex 500 Injection belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection is also used to treat cancer such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), bone cancer, and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system).

Merex 500 Injection contains 'Methotrexate' that works by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, Merex 500 Injection prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells, thereby helps treat cancer. Merex 500 Injection treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis.

Merex 500 Injection will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, Merex 500 Injection may cause side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lowered resistance to infections, tingling sensation, leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells), and soreness of mouth and lips. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the side effects persistently.

Do not take Merex 500 Injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Merex 500 Injection may cause dizziness and fatigue, so avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol whilst on treatment with Merex 500 Injection. If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor that you are receiving Merex 500 Injection. Do not have any vaccinations during treatment with Merex 500 Injection without consulting your doctor. Inform your doctor about your medications and health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.

Uses of Merex 500 Injection

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis and Cancer

Directions for Use

Merex 500 Injection will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional; do not self-administer.

Medicinal Benefits

Merex 500 Injection belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis in children) and severe psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection helps treat rheumatoid arthritis by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Merex 500 Injection treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system). Merex 500 Injection prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells by interfering with DNA production.

How Merex 500 Injection Works

Merex 500 Injection contains 'Methotrexate' that works by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, Merex 500 Injection prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells, thereby helps treat cancer.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Merex 500 Injection

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Lowered resistance to infections
  • Tingling sensation
  • Leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells)
  • Soreness of mouth and lips

What if I have taken an overdose of Merex 500 Injection

Merex 500 Injection is administered by a health care professional in a hospital setting. Hence, the chances of overdose are less. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as severe bone marrow suppression and disturbance of liver function. Your doctor may take necessary measures if an overdose is suspected.

Drug Warnings

Do not take Merex 500 Injection if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, serious anaemia, liver problems due to alcohol abuse, liver, lung or kidney problems, ulceration in the stomach or bowels, poor general condition, received any vaccinations or if are due to have any, diabetes, ascites (fluid in the stomach area), lung problems or fluid in the lungs. Merex 500 Injection may cause a serious, life-threatening reaction. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, hives, throat tightness, trouble swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue; runny or stuffy nose, lightheadedness or dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or feeling faint, consult your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you are undergoing radiation therapy; if you receive Merex 500 Injection while you are being treated with radiation therapy for cancer, it may cause damage to the skin, bones, or other parts of the body.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
MethotrexateEtretinate
Critical
MethotrexateThalidomide
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

Login/Sign Up

MethotrexateEtretinate
Critical
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Co-administration of Etretinate with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may increase the risk or severity of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Etretinate with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml is generally avoided as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
MethotrexateThalidomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Using thalidomide together with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between thalidoamide and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, sudden loss of vision, and/or pain, redness or swelling in an arm or leg, consult your doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting to a doctor.
MethotrexateEsomeprazole
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Co-administration of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml and esomeprazole can increase the blood levels and side effects of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Esomeprazole with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml can result in an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, contact your doctor if you experience headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MethotrexatePantoprazole
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Co-administration of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml with pantoprazole can increase the levels and side effects of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between pantoprazole and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased or decreased urination, sudden weight gain or weight loss, fluid retention, swelling, shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, or dizziness, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.
MethotrexateDicloxacillin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Co-administration of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml with dicloxacillin can increase the levels and effects of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml. This can increase the risk or severity of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Merex 500 Injection 20 ml and dicloxacillin, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, paleness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches. Consult a doctor immediately. Do not stop using medications without a doctor's advice.
MethotrexateLeflunomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Coadministration of leflunomide with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may increase the risk or severity of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between leflunomide and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, less desire to eat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MethotrexateTofacitinib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Coadministration of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml with tofacitinib can increase the risk of developing serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between tofacitinib and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, weight loss, red or inflamed skin and pain or burning during urination, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting to a doctor.
MethotrexateTolmetin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Coadministration of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml with tolmetin can increase the levels and side effects of Merex 500 Injection 20 ml.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between tolmetin and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as mouth ulcers or sores, vomiting, fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, muscle weakness, diarrhea, rash, loss of appetite, joint pain or swelling, yellow discoloration of skin and eyes, dark urine, breathing difficulty, dry cough, paleness, dizziness or fainting, unusual bruising or bleeding, seizures(fits), Consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.
MethotrexateHuman immunoglobulin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Taking Human immunoglobulin with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may increase the risk or severity of kidney problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Human immunoglobulin with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased or decreased urination, sudden weight gain or loss, fluid retention, swelling, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or an irregular heart rhythm, consult a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
MethotrexatePhenylbutazone
Severe
How does the drug interact with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml:
Coadministration of phenylbutazone with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may increase the levels and side effects of phenylbutazone.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between phenylbutazone and Merex 500 Injection 20 ml, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms such as mouth ulcers or sores, vomiting, fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, muscle weakness, diarrhea, rash, loss of appetite, joint pain or swelling, yellow discoloration of skin and eyes, dark urine, breathing difficulty, dry cough, paleness, dizziness or fainting, unusual bruising or bleeding, seizures(fits), Consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

Login/Sign Up

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Arthritis:

  • Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle exercises like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
  • Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
  • Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
  • Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
  • Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Psoriasis:

  • Include foods such as cherries, berries, leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Consume antioxidant-rich spices and herbs like cumin, ginger, sage and thyme.
  • Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and fatty foods.
  • Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
  • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
  • Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
  • Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

Cancer:

  • Consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
  • Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs, and spices in your diet.
  • Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
  • Get optimal sleep; rest well.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

ANTIMETABOLITES

Merex 500 Injection Substitute

Substitutes safety advice
  • Folitrax-25 Tablet 4's

    75.95per tablet
  • Folitrax-25 Injection 1 ml

    60.80per tablet
  • Folitrax-50 Injection 2 ml

    61.00per tablet
  • Meditrex-25 Tablet 4's

    47.36per tablet
  • Aiitrex 25mg Tablet

    27.00per tablet
bannner image

Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Merex 500 Injection.

bannner image

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Merex 500 Injection may cause serious birth defects. It is not recommended to take Merex 500 Injection while you are pregnant.

bannner image

Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Merex 500 Injection passes into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding whilst on treatment with Merex 500 Injection and for at least 1 week after the last dose.

bannner image

Driving

Caution

Merex 500 Injection may cause dizziness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Merex 500 Injection affects you.

bannner image

Liver

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking Merex 500 Injection.

bannner image

Kidney

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Merex 500 Injection.

bannner image

Children

Caution

The efficacy and safety of Merex 500 Injection in children have been established in polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and cancer chemotherapy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Merex 500 Injection in children.

FAQs

Merex 500 Injection acts as an immunosuppressant, which helps in reducing inflammation and prevents joint stiffness, thereby providing relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
Merex 500 Injection works by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection interferes with the synthesis of genetic material (DNA) and the growth of cells that multiply faster than usual, thereby helping in treating psoriasis.
Merex 500 Injection may affect fertility in men and women. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Merex 500 Injection causes leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells) and hence may make you more susceptible to infections. Consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Merex 500 Injection may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, avoid prolonged or unnecessary exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light such as tanning beds and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen while going out.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Chinubhai Centre, Off. Nehru Bridge, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009. Gujarat. India.
Other Info - MER0513

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Author Details

Doctor imageWe provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

whatsapp Floating Button

Add to Cart