Trimetrexate Glucuronate
(Generic Name) Other Names: Neutrexin®
About this drug
Trimetrexate glucuronate is used to treat cancer. It is given intravenously (IV). It is given with leucovorin, which is a vitamin that helps reduce the side effects of this drug.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to this drug are rare, but may occur in some patients. Signs of allergic reactions to this drug may include:
- rash
- fever
- chills
- dizziness
- feeling your heart beat rapidly (palpitations)
- shortness of breath
Possible side effects
- bone marrow depression. This is a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It may increase your risk for infection, fatigue, and bleeding.
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- soreness of mouth and throat. You may have red areas, white patches, or sores that are painful.
- rash
- tiredness
- changes in liver enzymes. Blood tests will be done as needed to check your liver enzymes.
- effects on an unborn child. This drug may have harmful effects on an unborn child. Effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment. Genetic counseling is available for you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. If it turns out that you are pregnant or become pregnant, talk with a genetic counselor. He or she can review the potential risks to the fetus.
Treating side effects
- Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine that is available to help you prevent or lessen nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.
- Mouth care is very important. Your mouth care should consist of gently brushing your teeth with a very soft tooth brush and rinsing your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in 8 ounces of water. This should be done at least after every meal and at bed time. Avoid mouth wash that contains alcohol. Avoid alcohol and smoking because they can irritate your mouth and throat.
- Do not put anything on your rash unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.
- Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.
Food and drug interactions
There are no known interactions of trimetrexate glucuronate with food. This drug may interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medicines and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Us¬ing these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor’s advice.
When to call the doctor
While receiving this drug, tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the fol-lowing symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- rash or itching
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- feeling your heart beat rapidly (palpitations)
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while at home:
- temperature of 100.5 F (38 C) or above
- chills
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
- vomiting more than 3 times in one day
- diarrhea of 3 stools in a day while taking prescribed anti-diarrhea medicine
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- nausea that does not get better with prescribed medicine
- extreme tiredness that interferes with normal activities
- painful mouth or throat, or discomfort when eating or drinking
- rash or itching
- yellowing of your skin or eyes