Methotrexate injections

[Mcdive40]

Hi there is there anyone on methotrexate injections if so how often do you have to have them and is it a injection or transfusion my nurse is trying to get me on it but I'm not to sure because I have had high counts on my bloods from Methatrexate tablets

[oldtimer]

There's information on methotrexate on the NRAS website.

I gave myself the injections into a muscle every four weeks, two days after my blood test to check it was OK to give it. Shown how to do the injection by the nurse at the day hospital, then did it under supervision until they were happy I was competent.

Injections said to give fewer side effects than the tablets and you can have a lower dose as it doesn't have to go through the gut to be absorbed and some lost there.

[popsmith1874]

Hi there I'm on mtx injections and they are easy to use, they are metrojet pens and you just press the button on top off the pen and it does it for you easy and I don't think you feel as sick with the injections as it goes straight into your blood stream

[beeckey]

I inject once a week in comes in a pen and is easy to do x

[Mcdive40 in reply to beeckey]

What is your doses with the pen I'm on 15mg a week

[beeckey in reply to Mcdive40]

I am on 25mg a week hope you cope ok with them x

[Moomin8]

Ditto to popsmith1874 and beeckey ☺No problems here!

[Hidden]

Hi Mcdive,

you can watch a video about using the Metoject pen via the following link:

metoject.co.uk/healthcare-p...

And it is usually once a week.

Hope this helps

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Mcdive40 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will have a look

[phil_54]

Hi, I have been on MTX injections for a year now its really easy to use, 1 per week on the same day, You can log onto a website for metoject and it explains everything in detail how to administer and any other questions you have it is much better than tablets side affects are almost non excistent i would never go back on tablets,

[Leviblu18]

I injection with pen also, very simply to use and much better than tablets- if you inject after tea then you sleep through most of the side effects. Wouldn't go back on tablets much better x

[Happygranny1958]

I changed from tablets to injection (Metoject) 5 months ago, I wish they had offered me it sooner. I have less side effects with the injection which I do once a week on the same day each week, it's easy to do and just a very slight sting when you do it. I have no regrets changing over, I was nervous at first but now just get on and do it, no problem. Go for it and good luck.

[Hidden]

I'm not sure how common this is but my hospital trust won't provide metoject due to the cost. So, I get my methotrexate in the form of syringes which come from the hospital pharmacy. That said, I don't find the injections any trouble, although they can be a bit fiddly. I had side effects on the tablets but not nearly as many nor as troublesome on the injections. I do get more tired than usual post injection but it's not a bit deal.

[Islaydoc]

I was on MTx injections for 3 years and until the dosage was increased last year I had no problems. Sadly the increased dose caused a problem with my lungs and was an emergency admission to hospital in respiratory failure. My lungs have still not recovered fully and the only treatment I am now on is Sulphasalasine and all my joints are now very painful. It is an unusual side effect but my rheumatologist is reluctant to try a biological as many also still require methotrexate but I keep hoping something can still be done.

[Mcdive40 in reply to Islaydoc]

Oh sorry to hear that it is very scary because the drug is very toxic and lots of side affects you think twice in taking it so I'm unsure weather to have it or not but the tablets are not helping me at all