Methotrexate injections versus tablets

[CurlySuzie]

Hello I’m new here having had a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis in December. I had campylobacter food poisoning 18months ago which left me with reactive arthritis. Unfortunately it decided to stay with me and now I’ve a formal diagnosis. This has been hard to get my head around, still doing battle with myself, as I was a very active, busy woman who refused to slow down. As I’m learning you’ve no choice with this disease to slow your pace, hard when you work full time plus! Exercise has been very hit and miss due to continual flares.

Anyway the reason for my post is I’m 5 weeks in taking methotrexate tablets and having nasty gastric side effects. Taking Omeprazole and folic acid to help. The rhemey nurse has said I can have injections if this carries on. I have struggled with weight my whole life but am managing to maintain a healthy weight despite minimal exercise. At my routine blood test this week chatting with the health care assistant she remarked that I shouldn’t go on the injections as I would bloat out and get huge - very helpful I hear you saying!! I’ve noticed some bloating with the tablets but nothing too bad. Can anyone tell me if you are more likely or do gain weight as a result of methotrexate injections please? I did when they gave me steroids but that is expected. Help and reassurance would be gratefully received.

[helixhelix]

Oh for heaven's sake! I'm sorry but it makes me angry when people trot out comments like that when they have no basis to do so. Amd they really don't think what affect it might have. Please don't listen to this care worker, but talk to your nurse. Presumably once someone she was a carer for gained weight so she/he now assumes this is a fact.

Well it's not true. If anything once I was settled on MTX injections I lost weight as I was able to resume normal activity levels.

[CurlySuzie in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, it’s really helped I will taught to the rheumy nurse.

Another little gem.....when I saw her for the first blood test she said I was far too young to be taking this, awful drug and did I know of the side effects!!!! It certainly doesn’t help when it feels so tough anyway

[helixhelix in reply to CurlySuzie]

If you are of childbearing age then the nurse should have talked to you about the importance of contraception. But apart from that your age has no relevance!

[CurlySuzie in reply to helixhelix]

No, all good - that ship has sailed

[Hidden]

Give that Hca the award for most stupid advice of the week!

In my experience injectable mtx really helped beat the nausea. I hope you give it a go and feel better soon x

[CurlySuzie in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Will definitely be having that chat with the RA nurse

[Hidden in reply to CurlySuzie]

I'm not normally one to complain but I think her manager could do with knowing what she's up to. She has no right and I suspect no qualifications to be discussing medication choices. x

[lornaisobel]

I think health care assistants are a bit like Dr receptionist - not that bright ! Listen only to those who know - injections are excellent ( if an injection can be ) its the same stuff as the tablets but misses out passing through your stomach so you dont feel ill - also its not really an injection its a pen - so very easy to use - good luck x ps there are videos to watch of peoples experiences with RA and medication they take and what works best - they were very good -I think i accessed them through NRAS x

[CurlySuzie in reply to lornaisobel]

Wonderful, thank you will have a look

[Dobcross1]

Hi I started on the methotrexate tablets in December but only managed 2 doses of them. I was so sick and lost a stone. Anyway started taking methotrexate injections 4 weeks ago and so far so good! Feel ok and other than a bit of indigestion for a hours the day I take it its been fine, (fingers crossed!!). So for me, it was certainly worth swapping.

[Mish-da in reply to Dobcross1]

That’s good to hear Dobcross. Had two doses of the tablets and felt awful each time. Start the injections next week so hopefully the side effects won’t be too bad!

[CurlySuzie in reply to Dobcross1]

I feel so much better now, thank you all. The side effects have been a bit grim for my poor stomach won’t be frightened to try injections now

[charisma]

Hi CurlySuzie

I had to quit oral MTX for the same reasons though the problem was somewhat helped by eating stodgy food along with MTX pills.

The injections did not bloat me up at all. I was well (compared to a flare) but still had problems with the drug.

So have been on leflunomide since June last year instead.

It is a process of finding what your body best responds to and tolerates.

[CurlySuzie in reply to charisma]

Thank you, I’m getting a sense that it’s all trial and error. Appreciate you taking time out to respond

[stbernhard]

Can't add a lot to what's already been said. Just remember that you are the boss when it comes to your condition and it's treatment. Only take advice from trained people and reliable sources such as NRAS. If you are well informed, you also help your care team. All the very best.

[TatianaB]

Hi! I am taking metoject for almost four years, have not gain weight!

[CurlySuzie in reply to TatianaB]

Phew, thank you

[Pulfs]

I find the injections better on not causing nausea it hasn't resulted in bloating so I think she is giving you bad advice. Go for the injection and talk to RA nurse . Xx

[CurlySuzie in reply to Pulfs]

Brilliant, thanks for the advice