Folitrax
Prescription
Immunosuppressant / Antimetabolite
Methotrexate Tablets
Manufacturer: Ipca Laboratories
Description
Folitrax is Ipca's branded methotrexate — a folate antagonist used as first-line systemic therapy for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in India. Also used for psoriatic arthritis, severe eczema, and several autoimmune skin conditions. Given weekly (not daily) with folic acid supplementation.
Active Compounds
No tracked compounds
Indications
- Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Severe atopic dermatitis (off-label)
- Pemphigus (adjunctive)
- Dermatomyositis
Dosage
7.5–25mg ONCE WEEKLY (NOT daily). Start with test dose of 5mg. Prescribe with folic acid 5mg on non-methotrexate days.
Formulations
Full Ingredient List
- Methotrexate
- Lactose
- Maize Starch
- Magnesium Stearate
- Gelatin
Side Effects
- Hepatotoxicity (cumulative dose-dependent)
- Bone marrow suppression (pancytopenia)
- GI upset (nausea, stomatitis)
- Pulmonary fibrosis (rare)
- Infections (immunosuppression)
Warnings
- ONCE WEEKLY dosing — daily dosing is a fatal prescribing error
- Pregnancy Category X — teratogenic
- Baseline and periodic CBC, LFT, renal function tests mandatory
- Co-prescribe folic acid 5mg 24 hours after methotrexate
- Avoid in hepatic disease, alcoholism, and severe renal impairment
- Avoid live vaccines during treatment