Merex 500 Injection 20 ml belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml is also used to treat cancer such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), bone cancer, and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system).

Merex 500 Injection 20 ml contains 'Methotrexate' that works by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, Merex 500 Injection 20 ml prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells, thereby helps treat cancer. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis.

Merex 500 Injection 20 ml will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may cause side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, lowered resistance to infections, tingling sensation, leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells), and soreness of mouth and lips. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience any of the side effects persistently.

Do not take Merex 500 Injection 20 ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may cause dizziness and fatigue, so avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid consuming alcohol whilst on treatment with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml. If you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery, inform the doctor that you are receiving Merex 500 Injection 20 ml. Do not have any vaccinations during treatment with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml without consulting your doctor. Inform your doctor about your medications and health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.

Merex 500 Injection 20 ml belongs to the class of medicines called 'anti-metabolites and immunosuppressants' used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis including polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis in children) and severe psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml helps treat rheumatoid arthritis by interrupting the processes of the immune system that cause inflammation in the joint tissues. It reduces pain and inflammation and delays joint damage and disease progression over time. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml treats psoriasis by suppressing the overactive immune system that is responsible for causing psoriasis. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml is used to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, mycosis fungoides (type of blood cancer), and advanced stage non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (cancer that starts in the lymphatic system). Merex 500 Injection 20 ml prevents and stops the growth of cancer cells by interfering with DNA production.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Unusual fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Lowered resistance to infections
• Tingling sensation
• Leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells)
• Soreness of mouth and lips

Do not take Merex 500 Injection 20 ml if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, serious anaemia, liver problems due to alcohol abuse, liver, lung or kidney problems, ulceration in the stomach or bowels, poor general condition, received any vaccinations or if are due to have any, diabetes, ascites (fluid in the stomach area), lung problems or fluid in the lungs. Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may cause a serious, life-threatening reaction. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, hives, throat tightness, trouble swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue; runny or stuffy nose, lightheadedness or dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or feeling faint, consult your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you are undergoing radiation therapy; if you receive Merex 500 Injection 20 ml while you are being treated with radiation therapy for cancer, it may cause damage to the skin, bones, or other parts of the body.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may have interaction with pain killers/NSAIDs, an antineoplastic agent (cisplatin), immunosuppressants (mercaptopurine, azathioprine), antibiotics (tetracycline, chloramphenicol), anti-inflammatory agents (sulfasalazine), retinoids.

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol whilst on treatment with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml. 

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have immunodeficiency conditions, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, serious anaemia, liver problems due to alcohol abuse, or chronic liver disease.

• CISPLATIN
• MERCAPTOPURINE
• AZATHIOPRINE
• TETRACYCLINE
• CHLORAMPHENICOL
• SULFASALAZINE

Arthritis:

• Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle exercises like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
• Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
• Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
• Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Psoriasis:

• Include foods such as cherries, berries, leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Consume antioxidant-rich spices and herbs like cumin, ginger, sage and thyme.
• Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and fatty foods.
• Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
• Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
• Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
• Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

Cancer:

• Consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, herbs, and spices in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.

• Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception whilst on treatment with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
• If you are a male, you and your partner should use reliable contraception during treatment with Merex 500 Injection 20 ml and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Merex 500 Injection 20 ml may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• Your doctor may advise regular blood tests, kidney and liver tests to monitor your condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, and swelling.

Psoriasis: It is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the skin to multiply ten times faster than normal. This leads to a rapid build-up of skin cells, causing scaling on the skin surface. Symptoms include inflamed, red, raised patches of skin, soreness around the patches, itching, burning sensations, painful, swollen joints, and dry skin.

Cancer: It is a genetic change in which the cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer, namely benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy (by strong antibiotics), radiation, and stem cell therapy.