Methotrexate injections, second attempt at immunosuppression

[Happy43]

In my last post I mentioned starting Azathioprine, unfortunately only managed 7 days due to severe gastritis issues.

After a phone call with the Rheumatology nurse today I've been put on Methotrexate injections. Given telephone instructions and will be sent an email with a link on how to inject 😮.

Any advice or tips would be most welcome along with success stories! I learn a lot from everyone on here and the knowledge and experience is great for reassurance.

Thanks 😊

[Kath1]

Hello 🙂 my advice is probably what you have already been told but my routine is, have a nice dinner and do my injection just before bed. The injection pen is really easy to use and it doesn't hurt although the area might be a little sore after but it doesn't last long. This is due to the methotrexate going in rather than the needle but if you go straight to bed you can get comfortable and relax. You need to give methotrexate a chance to work and get used to it if you can. I can feel a bit qwesy the next day but again I find eating well helps with that. Everyone can react differently to it as I'm sure you know. I hope it works well for you!

[Happy43 in reply to Kath1]

Hi and thanks for your reply and advice, the nurse did mention doing it at night. Have you found it works well for you?

😊

[Kath1 in reply to Happy43]

Yes it works well for me so hopefully it will work well for you aswell. Do give it time to get into your system and to get used to it. I have had the amount of my injection increased a few times now to get the best results for me but everyone is different. Have you decided on a day to do the injection? Try to pick a day where you don't usually have too much on the next day so you can take it easy. Personally I do it Tuesday night as I can work from home on Wednesday and can rest up a little. Some people do it Friday or Saturday night so they have the weekend to relax.

[Happy43 in reply to Kath1]

I'm glad it's working for you. I'm collecting it on Tuesday but I'm not working so any day will be ok. The nurse mentioned increasing amounts over 6 weeks. Thanks for your help!

[MVJohn62]

I was on azathioprine (imuran) for about 4 years with out any break.

Initially had issues coping up with the tablet.

My doctor advised me to have the tablet only after meals, and keep the timing, ie same timing every day.

Drink as much as water you can.

In India even the aurveda insists of the importance water intake.

My doctor used to ask me how much water I drink, when I say 4 litres his next question wil be to collect 24 hrs urine output and report.

Wish you all the best, it is our own willpower the best medicine.

[Happy43 in reply to MVJohn62]

Thanks MVJohn62 for your reply, I have tried Azathioprine but unfortunately I couldn't tolerate it. I'm starting Methotrexate next week.

[Elle-26]

I was on Methotrexate injections a few years ago.. I hate injections but after a little while it was easy. I wish I could go back on Methotrexate.. It has been the only med that made me feel more normal. I had less fatigue, more energy, my skin cleared, my hair grew back and I just felt I had more life back.. Thing is its only short term and because I suffered from Cancerous cells a few years before, they took me off the I injections. I even lost weight! due to the steriods treatment. Now back feeling rubbish..

[Happy43 in reply to Elle-26]

Hi Elle-26 oh no! I'm sorry you had to stop a successful treatment. You mention it's only short term, is that for everyone?

Are you on alternative immunosuppression now?

[Elle-26 in reply to Happy43]

Yes back on steriods and weight gain. Yes Methotrexate isn't long term. Next time I see my consultant I will ask if I can go back on it. It's a bit annoying having blood tests while on it but only to keep levels safe x