Injections or tabs

[Gitaga]

Hi

My doc suggests that I stop tabs and move to injections. My last blood test was not very good. Liver and kidney functions were abnormal. I'm uncertain. Furthermore I am given to understand that they are pretty expensive. Any suggestions??

Thanks

[helixhelix]

I'm not clear whether you are talking about switching between oral and injectable methotrexate, or moving on to a different group of drugs called biologics?

If you are talking about biologics then many people find them to be wonderful. But they are expensive - about £10,000 a year so if you are in the U.K. then your doctor will have to get special permission to prescribe them for you. And in the US i gather it depends on your insurance.

[James53]

As previously said- if methotrexate injections then these are not highly expensive and can cut out side effects for liver/kidney function.

I am on Benepali - a new biological to replace Enbrel. Enbrel is around £10,000pa and Benepali I believe around £7,000.

If you are in UK the Rheumatology team need to go through a process to ensure you qualify for biological drugs - not the case for methotrexate though

[Cherub198889]

MTX injections are easier on your stomach but it still can effect your liver & kidneys. So I am assuming you are asking about biologics. I am also assuming you live in North America.

Biologics are expensive, so in Canada your rheumatologist organizes payment with Pharmacare. A price is set based on your income. In the USA there are some people who qualify for copayment plans to help you. Maybe this link can help you.

rheumatoidarthritis.net/liv...