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Methotrexate Coupon - Methotrexate 2.5mg tablet

methotrexate

Generic Trexall
Used for Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate (Trexall) belongs to a drug class called antimetabolites. It’s used as chemotherapy at high doses to kill cancer cells and treat different cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At lower doses, methotrexate (Trexall) is considered a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that treats certain non-cancer conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This medication is a tablet that you take by mouth. For most conditions, it’s taken once a week, but for some, it’s taken more often than that. Methotrexate (Trexall) side effects include mouth sores, nausea, and stomach upset.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on December 6, 2023
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What is Methotrexate (Trexall)?

What is Methotrexate (Trexall) used for?

Cancer:

Non-cancer conditions:

How Methotrexate (Trexall) works

Methotrexate (Trexall) is an antimetabolite medication that treats many types of cancers and non-cancer conditions (like arthritis and psoriasis).

  • For cancer: Methotrexate (Trexall) works by blocking dihydrofolate reductase, a protein in your body that’s important for making DNA in cells and for cell growth. Since cancer cells grow much more quickly than healthy cells, the medication helps slow down cancer growth so the cancer can’t spread as well.

  • For non-cancer conditions: We don’t know exactly how methotrexate (Trexall) works to treat non-cancer conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. But research suggests that, at lower doses, it blocks the immune system from becoming too active. For psoriasis, the medication might also help slow down the growth of skin cells.

Drug facts

Common BrandsTrexall
Drug ClassAntimetabolite
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Methotrexate (Trexall)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Mouth sores
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach upset
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Higher liver enzyme levels in the blood
  • Low white blood cells
  • Low platelet levels

Less Common Side Effects

Methotrexate (Trexall) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Serious infections (from having low white blood cell counts): temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with or without other symptoms, such as chills, cough, muscle aches, very fast heartbeat, confusion
  • Low platelets: blood in urine or stool, nosebleeds, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bruising or bleeding that doesn’t go away
  • Serious lung problems: sudden cough, fever, difficulty breathing
  • Serious liver problems: nausea, vomiting, tiredness, stomach pain or swelling, pale-colored stool, dark-colored urine, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin
  • Serious nervous system problems: headache, confusion, vision changes, difficulty talking, difficulty moving one side of the body, seizure, coma
  • Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, fever, sore throat, body aches
  • Allergic reaction: rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or around the eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following Methotrexate (Trexall) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

bloody vomit

diarrhea

increased heartbeat

itching, rash, reddening of the skin

joint pain

nausea

pinpoint red spots on the skin

sores in the mouth or lips

stomach pain

swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, feet, or lower legs

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Back pain

bloody nose

blurred vision

body and muscle pain

burning while urinating

confusion

continuing ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears

cough or hoarseness

cracked, dry, scaly skin

dark urine

dizziness

drowsiness

ear congestion

fever or chills

headache

loss of appetite

loss of hearing

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

runny nose

seizures

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

unusual tiredness or weakness

weight loss

white or brownish vaginal discharge

Incidence not known

Anxiety

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blurred or change in vision

changes in skin color

confusion

constipation

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty in moving

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

dryness or soreness of throat

eye pain

fruit-like breath odor

heartburn

inability to have or keep an erection

increased hunger or thirst

indigestion

irritation in the mouth

large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of consciousness

menstrual problem

night blindness

pain in the chest or groin

pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness in the arm or leg

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, wart-like spots on the skin

sudden loss of coordination

sudden onset of slurred speech

swelling or soreness of the breasts

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck or armpit

tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or lips

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Hair loss or thinning

Less common

Blemishes on the skin

hard, red, swollen skin irritation

pimples

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Pros and cons of Methotrexate (Trexall)

Pros

  • Taken by mouth, so a good option for people who don’t like needles
  • A non-steroidal option for autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
  • Doesn’t typically cause hair loss or weight gain

Cons

  • Might cause nausea and mouth sores
  • Can raise your risk for infection
  • Requires regular office visits and lab tests to check for serious side effects
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Pharmacist tips for Methotrexate (Trexall)

pharmacist
  • Make sure you take methotrexate (Trexall) only at the dose that your provider prescribed for your specific medical condition. The dose is very different for cancer and non-cancer conditions. Ask your provider if you’re not sure what your dose is.
  • Follow your provider’s instructions to get any lab tests or scans done during your treatment with methotrexate (Trexall). These tests help your provider make sure that the medication is safe for you.
  • If you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall) for a non-cancer condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis), your provider will recommend that you take folic acid supplements to help prevent side effects.
  • If you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall) to treat cancer, check your temperature often. Contact your provider as soon as possible if you have a fever (a temperature that’s 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). It’s important for your provider to know if you get sick. Sometimes, a fever might be the only sign that you’re sick.
  • Don’t start or stop any new medications without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. There are several medications that can raise your risk for side effects when they’re taken with methotrexate (Trexall). Your care team should check to make sure all your medications are safe for you to take.
  • Before you get any vaccines, tell your provider or pharmacist that you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall). Some vaccines might not work well for you during treatment. Be sure to avoid getting live vaccines because of the risk of infection from the vaccine itself. Your provider can check that you can get the vaccine that you’re interested in.
  • It’s not recommend to breastfeed while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall) and for 1 week after your last dose. We don’t know whether the medication passes into human milk. But because of the way methotrexate (Trexall) works, it could harm a breastfed infant.
  • Store methotrexate (Trexall) tablets at room temperature. Keep the medication in the same bottle you got from the pharmacy or provider’s office, unless your provider tells you differently.
  • Ask your provider about the best way to handle methotrexate (Trexall) safely. Because this medication is sometimes used for treating cancer, it can be harmful to people who handle or come in contact with them. Keep it in a safe place away from children and pets.
  • If you have leftover medication, ask your provider about how to get rid of it. You might be able to bring it to the provider’s office or clinic for proper disposal.
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Risks and warnings for Methotrexate (Trexall)

Methotrexate (Trexall) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Harm to unborn baby

Warning IconMethotrexate (Trexall) can cause harm to an unborn baby and pregnancy loss (miscarriage) when it’s taken during pregnancy. For this reason, you can’t take this medication for non-cancer conditions if you’re pregnant.

blank warning iconIn general, it’s best to avoid becoming pregnant while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall). If you or your partner can become pregnant, you should use reliable birth control while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall). Keep using birth control for 6 months after the last dose (for females) or for 3 months after the last dose (for males). Contact your provider right away if you or your partner gets pregnant during treatment.

Allergic reaction

Warning IconSome people have experienced allergic reactions to methotrexate (Trexall). Let your nurse or provider know right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction such as itching, fever, nausea, trouble breathing, or a fast heartbeat. Get medical help as soon as possible if you have an anaphylactic reaction, such as hives, swelling in the face or lips, or throat tightness.

Low blood cell counts

Warning IconMethotrexate (Trexall) can cause low blood cell counts, particularly in people taking the medication at doses for cancer treatment. When your red blood cells are low, you might feel more tired. And when your platelets are low, you’re at risk for bleeding. In addition, low white blood cells put you at risk for serious and life-threatening infections.

blank warning iconYour provider will check your blood cell counts before you start methotrexate (Trexall) and every so often during treatment. Your provider will pay close attention to your white blood cell counts. If your counts are too low, your provider might make adjustments to your treatment to give your body time to make new blood cells.

blank warning iconIt’s important to lower your risk of getting sick by washing your hands often and avoiding crowds. Check your temperature regularly, and call your provider right away if your temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Damage to the digestive tract

  • Risk factors: Peptic ulcer disease | Ulcerative colitis

Warning IconSometimes, methotrexate (Trexall) causes vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, stomach bleeding, or tears in the gut. Your provider might recommend antiemetics such as ondansetron (Zofran) to help with nausea or loperamide (Imodium A-D) to treat diarrhea. Seek medical help right away if you have sudden stomach pain or blood in your stool.

Liver damage

  • Risk factors: Heavy alcohol use

Warning IconSome people taking methotrexate (Trexall) have developed liver problems, including cirrhosis or liver failure. People who take methotrexate (Trexall) for psoriasis have a higher risk of liver problems the longer they take the medication. Talk to your provider about the benefits and risks of taking this medication if you have liver problems. Your provider will check your liver with lab tests. You might need to pause methotrexate (Trexall) if you have high liver enzyme levels on your test results because this can suggest liver damage.

Lung problems

Warning IconSome people who’ve taken methotrexate (Trexall) have had a serious lung problem called interstitial lung disease (ILD). Talk to your provider right away if you have a sudden or worsening cough, trouble breathing, and fever. You might have to pause or stop methotrexate (Trexall) while your provider examines your lungs.

Serious skin problems (including skin burns)

  • Risk factors: Previous radiation | Previous sunburn

Warning IconMethotrexate (Trexall) can cause serious skin problems, including severe and potentially life-threatening skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Tell your provider right away if you start having painful blisters, skin wounds, or peeling skin. These are signs of a serious skin reaction that need immediate medical attention.

blank warning iconMethotrexate (Trexall) might also cause skin burns from being out in direct sunlight or from previous radiation. You should avoid sun exposure when possible. If you’re going outdoors, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and clothes that protect your skin. Let your provider know if you get a sunburn or have painful skin while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall).

Kidney damage

Warning IconMethotrexate (Trexall) can cause kidney damage, sometimes leading to problems like permanent kidney failure. Your provider will closely monitor your kidney health during treatment. You might need to stop taking methotrexate (Trexall) for a while so your provider can look into the problem.

Risk of serious side effects with dosing errors

It’s very important that you take the exact dose of methotrexate (Trexall) that your provider prescribes. Otherwise, the medication can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening side effects. Most commonly, these mistakes happen when people take methotrexate (Trexall) once a day when they’re instructed to take it only once per week. Some ways to help you take methotrexate (Trexall) as prescribed is to use a reminder app on your phone or choose day(s) of the week that are easy to remember.

Effect on folic acid levels in the body

Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin that helps cells grow and make DNA. To treat cancer, methotrexate (Trexall) works by stopping your body from making folate. This lowers the amount of folate in your body, which causes cancer cells to die. Most people who take methotrexate (Trexall) for cancer shouldn’t take folic acid supplements because they can make methotrexate (Trexall) work less well to treat your cancer.

But when methotrexate (Trexall) is taken for autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, regularly taking folic acid is important for replenishing the important nutrient in your body and preventing certain side effects. Talk to your provider about whether or not you should take folic acid while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall).

Serious infections

Warning IconPeople who take Methotrexate (Trexall) have a higher risk of getting sick, particularly from opportunistic infections (infections that usually only happen when the immune system is weak). Sometimes, providers prescribe additional medications, such as antibiotics and antiviral medications, to prevent infections. Contact your provider right away if you feel sick, such as having a fever, muscle aches, night sweats, severe tiredness, cough, or trouble breathing. You might need to start taking a lower dose or stop methotrexate (Trexall) altogether if you develop a serious infection during treatment.

Serious nervous system problems

  • Risk factors: Previous radiation to the brain

Some people taking methotrexate (Trexall) developed serious nervous system problems including headache, confusion, seizures, difficulty moving one side of the body, vision changes, and coma. Sometimes, the symptoms are temporary and completely go away; other times, they can be permanent. Your provider will regularly perform exams to check your nervous system while you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall). But contact your provider right away if you have any symptoms between office visits.

Risk for new cancers

Some people who took methotrexate (Trexall) have developed new cancers. Some people reported getting cancers that affect their white blood cells (lymphoproliferative disease) even at low doses of methotrexate (Trexall); the new cancer improved when they stopped the medication in these cases. You might be at higher risk for skin cancers if you have psoriasis and you're taking both methotrexate (Trexall) and cyclosporine.

Your provider will check for signs of new cancers from your lab tests and your symptoms during treatment. Speak with your provider if you notice any new, unusual symptoms. If your blood tests are abnormal or if you have symptoms of other cancers, you might need to pause your treatment while your provider looks into it.

Tumor lysis syndrome

  • Risk factors: Taking methotrexate (Trexall) to treat cancer

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a complication of treatment if you’re taking methotrexate (Trexall) for cancer. This happens when cancer cells are destroyed and the cells release what they have inside into the bloodstream. This complication can be dangerous because it can lead to high levels of uric acid and potassium in the blood, which can cause kidney or heart problems.

Your provider might give you extra fluids to prevent TLS. Your provider will also check your electrolyte levels often. If your lab results show signs of TLS, you might need to pause methotrexate (Trexall) while you get treated for this complication.

Changes to your ability to have children (infertility)

Methotrexate (Trexall) might cause infertility, which means you might not be able to have children in the future. People have reported low sperm count and menstrual problems. It’s unclear whether these changes are reversible. Talk to your provider about your options for fertility preservation if you’re considering having children in the future.

Higher risk for side effects if you have extra body fluid

  • Risk factors: Fluid buildup in the stomach area or lungs

Methotrexate (Trexall) can build up in pockets of fluid in the body. The medication can stay in your body longer if you’ve been told that you have fluid buildup in your body, such as around your stomach (ascites) or your lungs. This can put you at risk for worse side effects from methotrexate (Trexall). Your provider will check for any extra fluid in your body and manage or treat it before you start methotrexate (Trexall).

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Methotrexate (Trexall) dosage

The average cost for 72 tablets of 2.5mg of Methotrexate (Trexall) is $23.95 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.92% off the average retail price of $198.23.
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DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
2.5mg72 tablets$23.95$0.33

Typical dosage for Methotrexate (Trexall)

The dose of methotrexate (Trexall) varies depending on what condition you’re taking the medication for. Sometimes, the dose depends on your body size or body surface area (BSA) in m2 units.

The manufacturer dosages are listed below, but your dose might be different depending on the specific guidelines that your provider uses. Your provider might adjust the dose based on your response to methotrexate (Trexall).

Cancer

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The typical starting dose is 20 mg/m2 by mouth once a week. Methotrexate (Trexall) is taken together with other chemotherapy.
  • Mycosis fungoides: When taken by itself, the typical dose of methotrexate (Trexall) is 25 mg to 75 mg by mouth once a week. When it’s taken with other chemotherapy, the typical dose of methotrexate (Trexall) is 10 mg/m2 by mouth twice a week.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth 2 to 4 times per week, taken together with chemotherapy.

Non-cancer conditions

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: The typical starting dose is 7.5 mg by mouth once a week.
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The typical starting dose is 10 mg/m2 by mouth once per week.
  • Psoriasis: The typical dose is 10 mg to 25 mg by mouth once a week.
  • For non-cancer conditions, methotrexate (Trexall) is commonly taken with folic acid supplements to help lower the risk for side effects.
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Interactions between Methotrexate (Trexall) and other drugs

Methotrexate (Trexall) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Methotrexate (Trexall). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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How much does Methotrexate (Trexall) cost?

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Methotrexate (Trexall) (generic)
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Methotrexate (Trexall) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Methotrexate (Trexall) will not be safe for you to take.

  • History of severe allergic reaction to methotrexate
  • Currently pregnant (only if taking for non-cancer conditions)
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What are alternatives to Methotrexate (Trexall)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Methotrexate (Trexall). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Methotrexate (Trexall)
Used for:

Cancer:

Non-cancer conditions:

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News about Methotrexate (Trexall)

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Methotrexate (Trexall) images

Yellow Round 54 323 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "54 323".Yellow Round 54 323 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Orange Round M 14 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 14".Orange Round M 14 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Oval B 572 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "B 572".Yellow Oval B 572 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Oval B 572 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "B 572".Yellow Oval B 572 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round Hz 1 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Hz 1".Yellow Round Hz 1 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Orange Round M 14 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Orange, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 14".Orange Round M 14 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round M 2.5 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 2.5".Yellow Round M 2.5 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round M 2.5 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 2.5".Yellow Round M 2.5 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round C7 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C7".Yellow Round C7 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round C7 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C7".Yellow Round C7 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
Yellow Round E2 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E2".Yellow Round E2 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet
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This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "L2".Yellow Round L2 - Methotrexate Sodium 2.5mg Tablet

References

Best studies we found

Al-Quteimat, O. M., et al. (2014). Practical issues with high dose methotrexate therapy. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Psoriasis treatment: Methotrexate.

American Cancer Society (2019). Chemotherapy Safety.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.