Tomudex

How does it work?

Raltitrexed is one of a group of medicines called 'cytotoxic antimetabolites' used in the treatment of cancer. Cancers form when cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Raltitrexed works by slowing the process of cell multiplication. It does this by disturbing the production of a component of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of cells. Both DNA and RNA are needed for the growth and multiplication of cells, so raltitrexed prevents cancer cells spreading, and also kills them by causing abnormal growth. It is used mainly to treat the symptoms of colorectal cancer and not as a cure. Unfortunately, raltitrexed also affects normal, healthy cells and can therefore produce serious side effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to monitor the effects of the medicine on the blood cells. Raltitrexed is given by a slow infusion into the vein (intravenously). The infusion may be repeated every three weeks, provided there are no severe side effects.

What is it used for?

Advanced cancer of the large bowel and rectum

Warning!

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

Women who are pregnant should not handle this medicine.

This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. For this reason, women taking this medicine should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy, and men taking this medicine should use effective contraception to prevent fathering a child. You should continue to use contraception to prevent pregnancy for at least six months after stopping this medicine. Women should consult their doctor immediately if they become pregnant.

If you experience diarrhoea during treatment with this medicine, it may be associated with a drop in your blood cell count. Your blood count should be monitored weekly if this happens and your treatment may then need to be stopped, or continued at a lower dose, depending on the results of your blood tests.

You may feel weak and generally unwell after receiving infusions of this medicine, which may affect your ablity to drive or operate machinary safely.

Before starting treatment with this medicine, and before receiving each subsequent infusion, you should have a blood test to monitor your blood cell count.

Use with caution in

Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

People who have previously received radiotherapy

People whose general condition is poor

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy, as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Effective contraception should be used by women who themselves, or whose male partners, are receiving treatment with this medicine. Contraception should be continued for at least 6 months after the medicine is stopped. Consult your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Swelling of the legs and ankles due to excess fluid retention (peripheral oedema)

Muscle cramps

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Weight loss

Mouth ulcers

Fever (pyrexia)

Alteration in taste

Blood disorders which may be serious

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Loss of appetite

Hair loss (alopecia)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Dehydration

Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the intestinal tract (mucositis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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