METHOTREXATE SULFASALAZINE EC

& HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE COMBINATION THERAPY

HOW TO TAKE YOUR NEW MEDICATION

Methotrexate tablets are taken only once a week

You can take them all together after breakfast or you can divide the dose to take half in the morning and half in the evening, on the same day.

Folic acid should be taken at a dose of 5mg:

daily except on methotrexate day / once a week on day after methotrexate.

Take your Methotrexate tablets as follows:

Number of 2.5mg Methotrexate tablets / Total dose once a week / Length of time to stay on this dose
  • You must have your first blood test taken after 2 weeks.
  • If you feel unwell in any way see your doctor or telephone the Rheumatology Department at Whyteman’s BraeHospital
  • If you notice new or increasing breathlessness you must always inform your GP and the Rheumatology Department on the number below.

If you come into skin contact with someone with chicken pox or shingles, or develop chicken pox or shingles you must contact your GP or the Rheumatology Department on the number below, or follow the instructions on the chicken pox and shingles leaflet. Contact the Rheumatology Department on the number overleaf, if you do not have a leaflet.

Chickenpox & Shingles can be life threatening when taking Methotrexate.

Methotrexate should not be taken by MEN OR WOMEN when considering pregnancy or during pregnancy. It is likely to cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are planning pregnancy or fatherhood then contact us at the number overleaf. You should not breastfeed while taking Methotrexate.

  • Methotrexate tablets can be harmful to other people, keep them in a safe place, locked away if possible. Do not allow any other person to touch your tablets
  • If another person takes your methotrexate or you take too many please let your doctor know immediately
  • Always check when you pick up you methotrexate from the chemist that you have been given the correct strength (remember that methotrexate also comes in 10mg tablets as well as 2.5mg and both are a similar yellow colour).

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Sulfasalazine EC is started at a low dose and should be increased as in the table below.
It is taken every day of the week including the day you take your methotrexate
Take your Sulfasalazine EC tablets as follows:
Number of 500mg Sulfasalazine EC tablets to take every day / Length of time to stay on this dose
Morning / Evening
1 tablet / 1 week
1 tablet / 1 tablet / 1 week
2 tablets / 1 tablet / 1 week
2 tablets / 2 tablets

If you increase your tablets and experience any of these side effects

(sickness, indigestion or headache) you should reduce your dose by 1 tablet and wait a further week before attempting to increase the dose again.

If side effects occur once more on increasing the dose then remain on the highest dose you can without experiencing side effects, and let your GP or the Rheumatology Department know.

.

  • You must have your first blood test taken after 2 weeks.

Hydroxychloroquine

is given AT A DOSE OF:

This is to be taken once a day, after food, including the day you take your Methotrexate.

Once a year you will need to have your vision checked (see drug information leaflet).

The following changes have also been made to your tablets:

Fife Rheumatic Diseases Unit
General enquiries: 01592 648193

Page 2 Updated October 2012 Version 1