HI Guys
After some input in regards to methotrexate injections. I received a from today to fill in so I can start my jabs. one of the questions is in regards to which style I would like. On offer is the pen or the syringe. My thinking is that the pen is easier. I am assuming it is like an epipen which I have used in the past (not on my self)
What are you thoughts those of u that use this form of treatment?
Thanks in advacne
xx
The pen is easier if you have reasonable strength in your fingers (I don't), not only to inject but to take the needle cover off. But if I had the choice I'd go back to syringes, not only because of the issues above but because I could determine how fast the needle pierced my skin. I can't remember ever bruising when I was using syringes but I have many times with pens.
I think you'll find the majority of replies you receive will be in favour of pens but I think you'll only know by trying them out so maybe opt for the pens first & if you have difficulties request your script is changed to syringes.
I hope you find either/or better than tablets. Are they reducing your dose slightly?
I use metro pen but I have a lot of difficulty using it. My partner has to do it for me.
Metoject pen Matilda? It's often difficult for me to do too as my hands are very stiff in the mornings & lack of strength doesn't help either. The syringe plungers don't need the same strength, they're far easier. If you'd prefer to try yourself maybe you could ask if it's possible to change to syringes? We all know any bit of independence is important, is for me anyway!
Thank you Nomoreheels ( I do like your name).
I’m going to ask if I can have the syringe type but looking at cost it looks like they are more expensive. In the day and age with costs I doubt they will change over.
I would really like to stop methotrexate as I am quite unwell for a couple of days days following methotrexate and need to take an anti emetic to ease the symptoms.
I drink loads of water and don’t have any alcohol as this increases the nausea.
Have a lovely day
Depending on which drug company makes them the syringes in the UK are either slightly cheaper or slightly more expensive (only by pence or a £) but you're in the US aren't you?
I fell iffy for a day after, sometimes two when I've had a dose increase which I have recently. I'm also taking an antiemetic at the mo. But, if it keeps you pretty well controlled & are you can get on well with things for the remainder of the week it's copeable, that's the way I view it anyway, rightly or wrongly!
Drinking plenty of water helps, I don't drink alcohol either, it doesn't like me!
Hi
I live in Essex UK
I have an appointment with rheumatologist in 2 weeks and will ask to stop methotrexate and if not I will ask for syringes instead.
I'm sorry, I don't know why I thought you were in the US. I hope your Rheumy is sympathetic, after all only you know how it makes you feel.
Thanks. I am staying on the same dosage of 25mg. The tablets are fine with me but not controlling my RA as well as my consultant would like. xx
I hope injections make the difference & you become better controlled.
I preferred pen (metoject) because you literally couldnot feel it when pressed against skin and could use palm or heel of hand to press top down if fingers bad. Never tried syringe.
Thanks
I've only had the pen and sometimes the needle cover is very hard to take off but I don't feel a thing and have never bruised.
Definitely recommend the pen.... I’ve only used syringe for other med, which was heparin, and at times found that quite painful. In a year of weekly use I have not experienced any pain or bruising when using the metaject pen, it’s so simple to use.
Just started another biologic so opted for pen which got on ok with.have used this type before but these are more chunkier.you can use both your hands together so good as I struggle with mine and I inject into top of thigh.
I have had to use syringe before with heparin and was dreading it.My husband was too queamish to help so I had to do it and was relieved to find did ok. Thought it would kill bit didn't hurt at all pushing needle through pinched skin but of course you have to watch it whereas the pen you don't see this bit.
Hi have used both as no option when I first started. Now epipen as my rheumy said that syringes have been faised out and would therefore be out of date perhaps beware!!
Use metaject which has a large head that fits in palm of hand so easy to push and use x
Thanks everyone for your input. I will go for the pen and see what happens. xx
Hi, I have used the methotrexate pen and it worked beautifully for me. Unfortunately, it was just a months trial. once a week and I could not afford the injections, even with insurance. I never had any problems with it causeing pain or anything.
I take it your outside UK. Thats a shame what are you taking now. x
yes I am from the US. The Arava (Leflunomide 10mg) and it seems to be helping. Have to get blood tested in a couple of weeks to see how it is affecting my body; I am sad that here in the US patented meds are so expensive
Yeah it must be really hard especially if your on more than one medication. I have to take 7 different tablets everyday.( I have other issues as well as RA ) Luckily we have the NHS here and can buy a pre pay certificate which means you can get any number of medications for £10.00 a month or the cost would be around £80 per month. Which obviously makes a big difference and there is talk that RA might be put on the free list at some point. But its doubtful it will happen Still we are better of then most
xx
wow! Those pens would cost me up to $800 a month! That's with medicare!
Why is it that there is such a big price difference between the US & the UK? I don't get it. I wonder if this is why many who are members here are against 'big pharma' & after non medical 'cures'? Even if we didn't have prepayment prescriptions the cost, if they could be bought over the counter, of the ones I'm prescribed, Metoject, would be £15.56 per pen, that would be £62.24 per month. Prices start at £12.87 for a 7.5mg pen through to £16.56 for a 30mg pen. It doesn't add up does it?
WE are so lucky here in the UK. People knock the NHS but they would be far worse off without it. The media only focus on the bad bits of the system but in actual fact it is an amazing service.
I found the injections really easy to use on my stomach. Very little discomfort and never any bruising. Needle now retracts back into syringe after use. Good luck with what you choose.💜
Thanks x
The pen for me every time time.They changed me over without any notice so just as well.Picked them up at the pharmacy and nobody said they had been changed lucky they are quite straight forward.
I started with syringes but moved on to Metoject pens.
Both are far easier to do than I imagined at the outset!
If I have a preference it’s for Metoject - with syringes I always used to feel a bit funny sticking the needle in,even though it didn’t hurt. The thought is worse than the action!
The Metoject pen is easy. I have bruised using both, not sure one causes bruising more than the other.
Subcut MXT is infinitely better than tablets! x
I prefer the pen. However my hands aren't too bad so I can use it fine. Metoject I didn't feel at all. I'm now on benepali and I do feel it, but it's Ok.
Thanks x
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