OTREXUP™ (methotrexate) injection was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
It is indicated for adults with severe, active rheumatoid arthritis, or children with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who have failed first line therapies. It is also indicated for severe, recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis.
OTREXUP™ is delivered by auto injector as a subcutaneous injection. It will be available in four dose strengths: 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 25mg.
Side effects of Otrexup are unchanged for other formulations of methotrexate.
Patients using any form of methotrexate must be counseled on risks of toxicity, proper administration, risks of pregnancy and nursing, and proper storage and disposal, and the need for frequent, ongoing monitoring.
Editorial Note: While patients are very receptive to administration of medication by auto-injector, price and insurance coverage may be the determining factor in switching from oral methotrexate to Otrexup vs. vial and syringe.
