Methotrexate injections?

[FionaHerts]

Hi all

Any patient advice about Methotrexate via injection?

I'm off to Rheumatology next week. My RA isn't well controlled on 15mg Methotrexate tablets and last time I was seen I was told they prefer their patients to be on injections rather than tablets. I'm not really any better than a year ago before I started on MTX, so something needs to change and think they might suggest switching from tablets.

Three questions:

- do you have MTX injections with a normal syringe, or using an autoinject type pen? Or does it depend on what area you live in as to what you get?

- does injectable MTX need refrigerating?

- do you need a letter from the hospital to accompany your injection kit when flying (because of the sharps ban and liquid in a syringe)?

I'm going on holiday and flying on 5th Oct, so if I get changed to injections I need to be prepared. I don't have a problem with the idea of doing my own injections, although hope it would be an autoinjector pen (I used to administer my Mother's insulin via a pen device and it was so easy).

Thanks everyone

Fiona

[Matilda_1922]

I am on me together injections it doesn't need to go in fridge just keep cool below 28. However I did put in fridge because temperature was higher than 28. Just read the information in packet. They come individually. Should be shown to use. Also they will issue a large purple sharps bin. Ask for a small one too to take away with you.

I travelled oversea by air I took my repeat prescription but didn't get stopped or sesrchrd

[FionaHerts in reply to Matilda_1922]

Thank you, that's really useful info. Have you found the injections worked better for you than tablets? I'm not having nausea or tummy issues on the tablets, but my symptoms are not controlled.

[mole147]

I started on injections (20mg) about a year ago and so much better than the tablets. I use a Metoject pen and it is really easy to administer. I had a few tummy issues on tablets. It seems to be working fine for me. I do get the Methotrexate fog more with the injections but that is a small price to pay.

[Julia311]

I'm on 20mg injections - I've been using methoject pens since March and have found it has made a huge improvement. The tablets made me feel awful and didn't really work. I take a letter from my gp with the methoject pen in my hand luggage when I travel ( no problems within Europe this summer)- I asked the surgery if I could have a letter.

[JEM95]

I'm on Metoject pens too 22.5mg - it really does make a big difference in respect of side effects. So easy to inject too. I also still feel groggy after injecting but I do mine in the evening and sleep through the worst.

I haven't taken my Metoject out of the country, but if you are going that soon and it worries you - why not stick to tablets whilst you are away and start on the pens when you get back. It will save having to take a sharps container etc.

I'm a big fan of Methotrexate - it's given me some semblance of normal life back 😀

Have a great holiday! x

[Susanbet]

I took 10 weeks supply with me to NZ and Oz. Had letter from GP and copy of prescription. Before going through security X-ray always said I had syringes. Was only asked once (in Sydney) to open one box to show them the sealed injection. The only sharps container I was given was a very large one so I took a 'clip and save' box which I found all the pharmacies were happy to empty for me. At no time was the container anywhere near children (just in case anyone is thinking I am irresponsible!) enjoy your trip.

[Tillie20]

Hi I am on mtx pen not sure what you would be prescribed in your area, I would advise you get a letter from your GP or hospital I have both as I travel a lot but I have never been stopped and asked for any proof that the medication is mine but always take with me as if I did not have it someone would ask I think America might ask for proof also not the pen does not need to be in the fridge but kept in a cool dark place I also used to take a sharps box with me but now keep the used pen in the box to save space x

[FionaHerts]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm now feeling quite positive about trying mtx injections rather than tablets.

The idea of staying on with tablets until after my trip is a good one, I'm not sure I'll get a gp letter organised that quickly to accompany syringes and I'm flying on 5th October.

Thank you everyone. Once again a wealth of information and support from this site 😀

Fiona