Raltitrexed is used to treat cancer of the colon and rectum.
Raltitrexed injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Raltitrexed.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Raltitrexed may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Raltitrexed therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while using this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Raltitrexed therapy and for at least 6 months after stopping the treatment.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not use Raltitrexed with folinic acid, folic acid, or vitamin preparations containing these agents.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood disorder
- have received or currently undergoing radiation therapy
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. CBC with differential, kidney/liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Raltitrexed may cause tiredness or weakness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal pain, decrease in appetite, fever, pain, flu-like symptoms, headache, taste disturbance, rash, hair loss, and sweating.
Raltitrexed may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Raltitrexed with folinic acid, folic acid or vitamin preparations containing these agents.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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