Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or cancer treatment center. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, into a vein, or into your spine (back or neck).

If you are using the Otrexup™ or Rasuvo® or Reditrex® injection at home:

  • The medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
  • The medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually on the stomach or thigh.
  • Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injection.
  • If the medicine in the syringe has changed color, or if you see particles in it, do not use it.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form (solution):
    • For polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA):
      • Children—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) per meter squared (m2) once per week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • For psoriasis:
      • Adults—At first, 10 to 25 milligrams (mg) once per week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 30 mg once per week.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—At first, 7.5 milligrams (mg) once per week. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Put used syringe in a puncture-resistant disposable container.

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