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Last updated
05 Dec 2023 | 06:14 PM (IST)

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Zexate 50mg Injection


Product introduction

Zexate 50mg Injection is a medicine used for treatment of cancer in various parts of the body such as breasts, head, neck, lungs, blood, bone, lymph, and uterus. It may be used with other medicines as part of combination therapy.

It is an antimetabolite

Uses of Zexate Injection

Benefits of Zexate Injection

In Treatment of Cancer

Zexate 50mg Injection belongs to a group of medicines called antimetabolites and is referred to as a cytotoxic. It works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat a wide range of cancers such as acute leukemias, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and solid tumors found in breast, lung, bladder, head and neck as well as cervical, ovarian and testicular cancer. It may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Side effects of Zexate Injection

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Zexate

  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Mouth sore
  • Decreased white blood cell count

How to use Zexate Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Zexate Injection works

Zexate 50mg Injection is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking an enzyme (dihydrofolate reductase) involved in DNA synthesis in cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.

Safety advice

Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Zexate 50mg Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Zexate 50mg Injection is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Zexate 50mg Injection is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Zexate 50mg Injection may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Zexate 50mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Zexate 50mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Zexate 50mg Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Zexate 50mg Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Zexate 50mg Injection is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

What if you forget to take Zexate Injection?

If you miss a dose of Zexate 50mg Injection, consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Zexate 50mg Injection
₹63.0/Injection
Folitrax 50 Injection
Ipca Laboratories Ltd
₹101.26/injection
61% costlier
Remtrex 50mg Injection
Alkem Laboratories Ltd
₹72.7/injection
15% costlier
Neotrexate Injection
Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹50.76/injection
19% cheaper
Methofast 50mg Injection
Neon Laboratories Ltd
₹59/injection
6% cheaper
Methocel 50mg Injection
Celon Laboratories Ltd
₹74/injection
17% costlier

Quick tips

  • Zexate 50mg Injection helps treat various types of cancer such as blood cancer, bone cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and testicular cancer.
  • Take it once a week, on the same day every week.
  • Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated while taking this  medication.
  • Always take folic acid as advised by your doctor. This will help lessen the side effects of this medicine.
  • It may take 6 to 8 weeks for Zexate 50mg Injection to work. Keep taking the medication as prescribed.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it may increase the risk of side effects.
  • It can be harmful to an unborn baby. Avoid pregnancy for at least 6 months after your last dose.
  • Your doctor may get regular blood test done to monitor your kidney function, liver function and level of blood cells in your blood.

Fact Box

Chemical Class
Glutamic Acid Derivative
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Antimetabolite- Methotrexate

Patient concerns

arrow
How we can find out parient is CA and which report we can do for know the patient is CA
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Thr is no single test for cancerWhich cancer ur looking for
Sir my brother have skin cancer can you do something for save his life ??
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Treatment of cancer depends on whether it is localized or metastatic cancer
arrow

FAQs

Can Zexate 50mg Injection cause mouth ulcers?

Yes, Zexate 50mg Injection can cause a sore mouth and mouth ulcers as side effects in some cases. Taking folic acid along with this medicine may help in reducing the ulcers. Ask your doctor if the dose can be reduced as dose reduction may further help in reducing the ulcers.

Why do I have to take folic acid with Zexate 50mg Injection?

Folic acid is required to make new cells in the body and Zexate 50mg Injection decreases the folic acid levels in the body. Folic acid can help reduce some of the common side effects of Zexate 50mg Injection such as mouth ulcers, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia and liver problems.

Why do I need to take regular blood tests while taking Zexate 50mg Injection?

Regular blood tests will help your doctor to check your response to Zexate 50mg Injection and monitor you for side effects. You will need to regularly check your liver function and your blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). Your doctor may also order additional tests depending on the results.

Can Zexate 50mg Injection use make me more prone to infections?

Zexate 50mg Injection may decrease the activity of your immune system. As a result, you may develop serious infections. There have been rare reports which suggest occurrence of serious lung infections with Zexate 50mg Injection use. If you have an active infection, Zexate 50mg Injection should be used with extreme caution.

Can Zexate 50mg Injection affect fertility?

Yes, Zexate 50mg Injection may affect fertility in both males and females. It may cause a decrease in sperm count in males and menstrual disturbances in females. No need to worry, these effects are reversible and disappear once the therapy is discontinued.

What to do if I am planning to become pregnant and my husband is taking Zexate 50mg Injection?

You should avoid pregnancy if your husband is taking Zexate 50mg Injection. Also, it is advised that pregnancy should be further avoided for a minimum of 3 months after the therapy as it can lead to serious fetal abnormalities.

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Disclaimer:

Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

  1. Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 944-46.
  2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 887-90.
  3. Methotrexate [Prescribing Information]. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.; 2021. [Accessed 04 Aug. 2023] (online) Available from:External Link

Marketer details

Name: Fresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
Address: Fresenius Kabi AG​ , Else-Kröner-Straße 1 ​ , 61352 Bad Homburg , Germany
Country of origin: India

DISCONTINUED
We do not facilitate sale of this product at present

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