ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

ADVERSE REACTIONS. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Gastrointestinal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)] Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions Due to Third-Space Accumulation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)] Common adverse reactions include ulcerative stomatitis, leukopenia, nausea, abdominal distress. (6.1)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, Contact AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 or go to www.avkare.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.DRUG INTERACTIONSRefer to the full prescribing information for drug interactions with methotrexate. (7). 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience. Because clinical trials and other studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.Common adverse reactions were: ulcerative stomatitis, leukopenia, nausea, and abdominal distress. Other clinically relevant adverse reactions were infection, malaise, fatigue, chills, fever, and dizziness.Rheumatoid Arthritis The most common adverse reactions of methotrexate that exceeded the rate of placebo in 12- to 18-week double-blind studies in patients (n=128) with rheumatoid arthritis are listed below. Patients received methotrexate 7.5 to 15 mg orally once weekly. Most patients received concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some also received corticosteroids. Hepatic histology was not examined in these short-term studies.Incidence >=10%: Elevated liver tests 15%, nausea/vomiting 10% Incidence 3% to <10%: Stomatitis, thrombocytopenia (platelet count 100,000/mm3) Incidence 1% to <3%: Rash/pruritus/dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia, leukopenia (white blood cell count 3000/mm3), pancytopenia, dizziness Two other controlled trials of patients (n=680) with rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate 7.5 mg to 15 mg orally once weekly showed the following serious adverse reaction:Incidence 1%: Interstitial pneumonitisOther less common adverse reactions were: anemia, headache, upper respiratory infection, anorexia, arthralgias, chest pain, coughing, dysuria, eye discomfort, epistaxis, fever, infection, sweating, tinnitus, vaginal discharge.Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA)The most common adverse reactions reported in patients to 18 years of age with pJIA treated with methotrexate mg/m2 to 20 mg/m2 orally once weekly or 0.1 to 0.65 mg/kg orally once weekly were as follows: elevated liver tests 14%; gastrointestinal reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) 11%; stomatitis 2%; leukopenia 2%; headache 1.2%; alopecia 0.5%; dizziness 0.2%; rash 0.2%. Most patients received concomitant NSAIDs and some also received corticosteroids.Psoriasis In two published series of adults with psoriasis (n=204, 248) who received methotrexate up to 25 mg per week for up to years, adverse reaction rates were similar to those in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, except for alopecia, photosensitivity, and burning of skin lesions (3% to 10% each). Painful plaque erosions have been reported. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience. The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of methotrexate. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposureCardiovascular: Thromboembolic events (including arterial thrombosis, cerebral thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, retinal vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and pulmonary embolus), pericarditis, pericardial effusion, hypotension, sudden deathEndocrine: DiabetesEye: Optic neuropathy, blurred vision, ocular pain, conjunctivitis, xerophthalmiaGastrointestinal: Hemorrhagic enteritis, intestinal perforation, gingivitis, pancreatitis, pharyngitis, hematemesis, melena, gastrointestinal ulcerationHematology: Aplastic anemia, lymphadenopathy, hypogammaglobulinemiaHepatobiliary: Acute hepatitis, decreased serum albumin, fibrosis, cirrhosisImmune system: Anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, vasculitisMetabolism: HyperglycemiaMusculoskeletal: Stress fracture, soft tissue and bone necrosis, arthralgia, myalgia, osteoporosisNervous system: Headaches, drowsiness, blurred vision, speech impairment (including dysarthria and aphasia), transient cognitive dysfunction, mood alteration, unusual cranial sensations, paresis, encephalopathy, and convulsions.Renal: Azotemia, hematuria, proteinuria, cystitisReproductive: Defective oogenesis or spermatogenesis, loss of libido, impotence, gynecomastia, menstrual dysfunctionRespiratory: Pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, chronic interstitial obstructive pulmonary disease, pleuritic pain and thickening, alveolitisSkin: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, skin necrosis, and erythema multiforme, erythematous rashes, pruritus, alopecia, skin ulceration, accelerated nodulosis, urticaria, pigmentary changes, ecchymosis, telangiectasia, photosensitivity, acne, furunculosis.

BOXED WARNING SECTION.

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS, SEVERE ADVERSE REACTIONS, AND RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORSo Methotrexate tablets can cause embryo-fetal toxicity, including fetal death. For non-neoplastic diseases, methotrexate tablets are contraindicated in pregnancy. For neoplastic diseases, advise females and males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)]. Methotrexate tablets are contraindicated in patients with history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to methotrexate, including anaphylaxis [Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported with methotrexate. Closely monitor for adverse reactions of the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, skin, and kidneys. Withhold or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate [Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8)]. Methotrexate tablets when inadvertently administered once daily have resulted in death [Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS, SEVERE ADVERSE REACTIONS, and RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Methotrexate tablets can cause embryo-fetal toxicity, including fetal death. For non-neoplastic diseases, methotrexate tablets are contraindicated in pregnancy. For neoplastic diseases, advise patients of reproductive potential of the potential risk to fetus and to use effective contraception (4, 5.1, 8.1, 8.3). Methotrexate tablets are contraindicated in patients with history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to methotrexate, including anaphylaxis (4, 5.2). Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported with methotrexate. Closely monitor for adverse reactions of the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, skin, and kidneys. Withhold or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate (5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8). Methotrexate tablets when inadvertently administered once daily have resulted in death (5.9).

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. Clinical Pharmacology. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolic acid reductase. Dihydrofolates must be reduced to tetrahydrofolates by this enzyme before they can be utilized as carriers of one-carbon groups in the synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymidylate. Therefore, methotrexate interferes with DNA synthesis, repair, and cellular replication. Actively proliferating tissues such as malignant cells, bone marrow, fetal cells, buccal and intestinal mucosa, and cells of the urinary bladder are in general more sensitive to this effect of methotrexate.The mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis and in psoriasis is unknown.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Absorption At doses of 30 mg/m2 or less, the mean bioavailability is approximately 60%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 0.75 to hours following oral administration. Methotrexate may undergo enterohepatic recirculation; however, this pathway has not been fully characterized. Effect of Food Food has been shown to delay absorption and reduce peak concentration. Distribution Methotrexate in serum is approximately 50% protein bound. Methotrexate does not penetrate the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier at concentrations achieved with the recommended dosages.Elimination The elimination half-life of methotrexate is approximately to 10 hours. Small amounts of methotrexate polyglutamates may remain in tissues for extended periods. The retention and prolonged drug action of these active metabolites vary among different cells, tissues, and tumors.Nonlinear elimination due to saturation of renal tubular reabsorption has been observed in studies of patients with psoriasis receiving methotrexate doses between 7.5 mg and 30 mg.Metabolism Methotrexate is partially metabolized by intestinal flora after oral administration. Methotrexate primarily undergoes hepatic and intracellular metabolism to active polyglutamated forms which can be converted back to methotrexate by hydrolase enzymes. Methotrexate also undergoes minor metabolism to active 7-hydroxymethotrexate.Excretion Methotrexate primarily undergoes renal excretion by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion that is dependent upon dosage and route of administration. Biliary excretion accounts for <=10% of the methotrexate dose.Specific Populations The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate is unknown. Pediatric Patients In pediatric patients with leukemia, oral absorption (23% to 95%) of methotrexate is variable and dose dependent. The difference between highest and lowest peak methotrexate concentrations (Cmax 0.11 to 2.3 micromolar after 20 mg/m2 dose) was 20-fold. The time to peak concentration (Tmax 0.67 to hours after 15 mg/m2 dose) and fraction of dose absorbed is variable. The absorption of doses greater than 40 mg/m2 is significantly less than that of lower doses. In pediatric patients with pJIA, plasma concentrations of methotrexate are variable. Following oral administration of methotrexate 6.4 mg/m2/week to 11.2 mg/m2/week, mean serum concentrations were 0.59 micromolar (0.03 to 1.40) at hour, 0.44 micromolar (0.01 to 1) at hours, and 0.29 micromolar (0.06 to 0.58) at hours.In pediatric patients receiving methotrexate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (6.3 mg/m2 to 30 mg/m2) or for JIA (3.75 mg/m2 to 26.2 mg/m2), the terminal half-life has been reported to range from 0.7 to 5.8 hours or from 0.9 to 2.3 hours, respectively.Patients with Renal impairment The elimination half-life of methotrexate is variable and increases with the severity of renal impairment.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. o Instruct patients and caregivers to take the recommended dosage as directed, because medication errors have led to deaths. (2.1, 5.9) Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential before starting methotrexate tablets (4, 5.1). ALL: The recommended dosage is 20 mg/m2 orally once weekly as part of combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen. (2.2) Mycosis fungoides: The recommended dosage is 25 to 75 mg orally once weekly as monotherapy; 10 mg/m2 orally twice weekly as part of combination chemotherapy. (2.2) Relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg orally two to four times per week as part of metronomic combination chemotherapy. (2.2) Rheumatoid Arthritis: The recommended starting dosage is 7.5 mg orally once weekly; adjust dose to achieve an optimal response (2.3) pJIA: The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg/m2 orally once weekly; adjust dose to achieve an optimal response (2.4) Psoriasis: The recommended dosage is 10 to 25 mg orally once weekly until adequate response is achieved. (2.5) 2.1 Important Dosage and Safety Information. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential before starting methotrexate tablets [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].Instruct patients and caregivers to take the recommended dosage as directed, because medication errors have led to deaths [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].When switching the dosing regimen from oral administration to intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous administration, an alternative dosing regimen may be necessary.Do not administer to patients who are unable to swallow tablet.Methotrexate tablets are cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.1. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Neoplastic Diseases. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia The recommended starting dosage of methotrexate tablets is 20 mg/m2 orally once weekly, as part of combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen. After initiating methotrexate tablets, periodically monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet count and adjust the dose to maintain ANC at desirable level and for excessive myelosuppression. Mycosis FungoidesThe recommended dosage of methotrexate tablets is 25 to 75 mg orally once weekly when administered as single agent or 10 mg/m2 orally twice weekly as part of combination chemotherapy regimen.Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin LymphomasThe recommended dosage of methotrexate tablets is 2.5 mg orally to times per week (maximum 10 mg per week) as part of metronomic combination chemotherapy regimen.. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The recommended starting dosage of methotrexate tablets is 7.5 mg orally once weekly with escalation to achieve optimal response. Dosages of more than 20 mg once weekly result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, including myelosuppression. When responses are observed, the majority occurred between and weeks from initiation of treatment; however, responses have occurred up to 12 weeks after treatment initiation.Administer folic acid or folinic acid to reduce the risk of methotrexate adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].. 2.4 Recommended Dosage for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The recommended starting dosage of methotrexate tablets is 10 mg/m2 orally once weekly with escalation to achieve optimal response. Dosages of more than 30 mg/m2 once weekly result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions, including myelosuppression. When responses are observed, the majority occurred between and weeks from initiation of treatment; however, responses have occurred up to 12 weeks after treatment initiation.Administer folic acid or folinic acid to reduce the risk of methotrexate adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].. 2.5 Recommended Dosage for Psoriasis. The recommended dosage of methotrexate tablets is 10 to 25 mg orally once weekly until an adequate response is achieved. Adjust the dose gradually to achieve optimal clinical response; do not exceed dose of 30 mg per week. Once optimal clinical response has been achieved, reduce the dosage to the lowest possible dosing regimen.Administer folic acid or folinic acid supplementation to reduce the risk of methotrexate adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].. 2.6 Dosage Modification for Adverse Reactions. Discontinue methotrexate tablets for: Anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Lymphoproliferative disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Withhold, dose reduce or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate for: Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Withhold or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate for: Severe gastrointestinal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Severe dermatologic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Severe renal toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Serious infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

DRUG INTERACTIONS. DRUG INTERACTIONS. 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Methotrexate. Drugs that Increase Methotrexate Exposure Coadministration of methotrexate with the following products may increase methotrexate plasma concentrations, which may increase the risk of methotrexate severe adverse reactions. In some cases, the coadministration of methotrexate with these products may also subsequently reduce active metabolite formation, which may decrease the clinical effectiveness of methotrexate. Increased organ specific adverse reactions may also occur when methotrexate is coadministered with hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic products. If coadministration cannot be avoided, monitor closely for methotrexate adverse reactions when coadministered with: Oral antibiotics (including neomycin) Oral or intravenous penicillin or sulfonamide antibiotics Highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., oral anticoagulants, phenytoin, salicylates, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, and tetracyclines) Probenecid Antifolate drugs (e.g., dapsone, pemetrexed, pyrimethamine and sulfonamides) Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Hepatotoxic products Proton pump inhibitors Weak acids (e.g., salicylates) Nephrotoxic products Nitrous Oxide Coadministration of methotrexate with nitrous oxide anesthesia potentiates the effect of methotrexate on folate-dependent metabolic pathways, which may increase the risk of severe methotrexate adverse reactions. Avoid nitrous oxide anesthesia in patients receiving methotrexate. Consider alternative therapies in patients who have received prior nitrous oxide anesthesia. Folic Acid Coadministration of methotrexate with folic acid or its derivatives decreases the clinical effectiveness of methotrexate in patients with neoplastic diseases. Methotrexate competes with reduced folates for active transport across cell membranes. Instruct patients to take folic or folinic acid only as directed by their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Methotrexate tablets are dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor indicated for the: Treatment of adults and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen (1.1) Treatment of adults with mycosis fungoides (1.1) Treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma as part of metronomic combination regimen (1.1) Treatment of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (1.2) Treatment of pediatric patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) (1.3) Treatment of adults with severe psoriasis (1.4) 1.1 Neoplastic Diseases. 1.1 Neoplastic Diseases Methotrexate tablets are indicated for the: treatment of adults and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as part of combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen treatment of adults with mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) as single agent or as part of combination chemotherapy regimen treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphomas as part of metronomic combination chemotherapy regimen 1.2 Rheumatoid Arthritis. Methotrexate tablets are indicated for the treatment of adults with rheumatoid arthritis.. 1.3 Polyarticular Juvenile Idipathic Arthritis. Methotrexate tablets are indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA).. 1.4 Psoriasis. Methotrexate tablets are indicated for the treatment of adults with severe psoriasis.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

OVERDOSAGE. Overdosage, including fatal overdosage, has occurred with methotrexate [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 9)].Manifestations Manifestations of methotrexate overdosage include adverse reactions reported at pharmacologic doses, particularly hematologic and gastrointestinal reactions (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, pancytopenia, myelosuppression, mucositis, stomatitis, oral ulceration, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal ulceration, or gastrointestinal bleeding). In some cases, no symptoms were reported; however, sepsis or septic shock, renal failure, and aplastic anemia were also reported. Management Leucovorin and levoleucovorin are indicated for diminishing the methotrexate adverse reactions of methotrexate overdosage. Administer leucovorin or levoleucovorin as soon as possible after methotrexate overdosage). Monitor serum creatinine and methotrexate levels to guide leucovorin or levoleucovorin therapy. Refer to the leucovorin or levoleucovorin prescribing information for additional dosage information. Glucarpidase is indicated for the treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (>1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function. Refer to the glucarpidase prescribing information for additional dosage information.Administer concomitant hydration and urinary alkalinization.Neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis has been shown to improve methotrexate elimination; however, methotrexate has been effectively cleared with acute, intermittent hemodialysis using high-flux dialyzer.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to fetus and to inform their healthcare provider of known or suspected pregnancy [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Advise males of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Hypersensitivity Reactions Advise patients and their caregivers of the potential risk of hypersensitivity and that methotrexate tablets is contraindicated in patients with history of hypersensitivity reactions to methotrexate. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention for signs of hypersensitivity reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Myelosuppression and Serious Infections Inform patients and their caregivers that methotrexate tablets can cause myelosuppression and the need for frequent monitoring of blood cell counts. Advise patients and their caregivers to immediately report new onset fever, symptoms of infection, easy bruising or persistent bleeding to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.11)]. Gastrointestinal ToxicityAdvise patients and their caregivers to report new or worsening diarrhea, vomiting, or stomatitis to their healthcare provider. Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for high fever, rigors, persistent or severe abdominal pain, severe constipation, hematemesis, or melena [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].HepatotoxicityAdvise patients and their caregivers to report signs or symptoms of hepatic toxicity to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].Pulmonary Toxicity Advise patients and their caregivers to report new or worsening cough, fever, or dyspnea to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Dermatologic Reactions Advise patients and their caregivers that methotrexate tablets can cause serious skin rash and to immediately contact their healthcare provider for new or worsening skin rash. Advise patients and their caregivers to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sun protection measures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Renal Toxicity Advise patients and their caregivers to immediately contact their healthcare provider for signs or symptoms of renal toxicity, such as marked increases or decreases in urinary output [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Risk of Fatal Adverse Reactions with Medication Error For patients who are prescribed once weekly dosing regimen, advise patients and caregivers that the recommended dosage is to be taken once weekly as single dose and that mistakenly taking the recommended weekly dosage once daily has led to fatal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Neurotoxicity Advise patients and their caregivers to report new neurological signs or symptoms to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]. Secondary Malignancies Advise patients on the risk of second primary malignancies during treatment with methotrexate tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)]. Lactation Instruct women not to breastfeed during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for week after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)]. Infertility Advise females and males of reproductive potential that methotrexate may impair fertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16), Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. Drug Interactions Advise patients and caregivers to inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Manufactured for:AvKAREPulaski, TN 38478Mfg. Rev. 06/26 AV Rev. 07/26 (M).

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. 8.1 Pregnancy. Risk Summary Methotrexate tablets are contraindicated in pregnant women with non-neoplastic diseases [see Contraindications (4)]. Based on published reports and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)], methotrexate can cause embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal death when administered to pregnant woman. There are no animal data that meet current standards for nonclinical developmental toxicity studies. Advise pregnant women with neoplastic diseases of the potential risk to fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Published data from case reports, literature reviews, and observational studies report that methotrexate exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of embryo-fetal toxicity and fetal death. Methotrexate exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions and multiple adverse developmental outcomes, including skull anomalies, facial dysmorphism, central nervous system abnormalities, limb abnormalities, and sometimes cardiac anomalies and intellectual impairment. Adverse outcomes associated with exposure during second and third trimesters of pregnancy include intrauterine growth restriction and functional abnormalities. Because methotrexate is widely distributed and persists in the body for prolonged period, there is potential risk to the fetus from preconception methotrexate exposure. prospective multicenter study evaluated pregnancy outcomes in women taking methotrexate less than or equal to 30 mg/week after conception. The rate of spontaneous abortion and miscarriage in pregnant women exposed to methotrexate was 42% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 29, 59), which was higher than in unexposed patients with autoimmune disease (22%; 95% CI: 17, 30) and unexposed patients with nonautoimmune disease (17%; 95% CI: 13, 23). Of the live births, the rate of major birth defects in pregnant women exposed to methotrexate after conception was higher than in unexposed patients with autoimmune disease (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.8 [95% CI: 0.6, 6]) and unexposed patients with non-autoimmune disease (adjusted OR 3.1 [95% CI: 1, 10]) (2.9%). Major birth defects associated with pregnancies exposed to methotrexate after conception were not always consistent with methotrexate-associated adverse developmental outcomes.. 8.2 Lactation. Risk Summary Limited published literature report the presence of methotrexate in human milk in low amounts, with the highest breast milk to plasma concentration ratio reported to be 0.08:1. There are no data on the effects of methotrexate or its metabolites on the breastfed child or their effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed child, instruct women not to breastfeed during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for week after the final dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential. Methotrexate can cause malformations and fetal death at doses less than or equal to the recommended clinical doses [Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating methotrexate tablets [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for months after the final dose. Males Methotrexate can cause chromosomal damage to sperm cells. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with methotrexate tablets and for months after the final dose. Infertility Females Based on published reports of female infertility after methotrexate, advise females of reproductive potential that methotrexate can cause impairment of fertility and menstrual dysfunction during treatment with methotrexate tablets and after the final dose. It is not known if the infertility may be reversed in all affected females. Males Based on published reports of male infertility after methotrexate, advise males that methotrexate can cause oligospermia or infertility during treatment with methotrexate tablets and after the final dose. It is not known if the infertility may be reversed in all affected males. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of methotrexate tablets in pediatric patients have been established for the treatment of ALL as part of the combination chemotherapy maintenance regimen and the treatment of pJIA [see Indications and Usage (1), Dosage and Administration (2)]. No new safety signals have been observed in pediatric patients in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].The safety and effectiveness of methotrexate tablets have not been established in pediatric patients for the other indications [see Indications and Usage (1)].. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical studies of methotrexate did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.. 8.6 Renal Impairment. Methotrexate elimination is reduced in patients with renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients with renal impairment are at increased risk for methotrexate adverse reactions. Closely monitor patients with renal impairment [creatinine clearance (CLcr) less than 90 mL/min, Cockcroft-Gault] for adverse reactions. Reduce the dosage or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment. The pharmacokinetics and safety of methotrexate in patients with hepatic impairment is unknown. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk for methotrexate adverse reactions based on the elimination characteristics of methotrexate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Closely monitor patients with hepatic impairment for adverse reactions. Reduce the dosage or discontinue methotrexate tablets as appropriate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].