Methotrexate self-injection

[Grubbypaws]

Hello everyone. My rheumatologist has changed my methotrexate from pills to an injection (which he says will help with the indigestion and slight nausea I feel when I take it). I'm slightly nervous about this as I've never self-injected before. He showed me how to do it but it will be a different matter doing it myself next Wednesday! Does anyone have any tips for a first timer? TIA.

[Soundofmusic52]

You will be fine few weeks time you will be doing it with your eyes shut just get yourself comfortable and relax stay safe 🙂

[Grubbypaws in reply to Soundofmusic52]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

Injections are dead easy and nerves can get you on your first solo but honestly they are very easy. Get everything set up .A good pinch keep the pen still while it empties straight in to the sharps bin. I don’t use the alcohol swap as it stings more. I normally have a shower first. Good idea to change site of injection each week. I normally alternate from either leg and either side of the tummy. Good luck but you won’t need it.

[Grubbypaws in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I am just nervous about how much of an angle to put the needle. The rheumatologist made it look quite shallow (sideways angle) but I wonder how far under the surface I need to go.

[charisma in reply to Grubbypaws]

Is it a Metoject Pen? If so, it needs to be directed straight down against the skin, not angled. Then it’s just a simple push of the top button, done very fast.

[Grubbypaws in reply to charisma]

Yes, that's it. Don't think I can do too much wrong can I?!

[charisma in reply to Grubbypaws]

Good luck!

[Grubbypaws in reply to charisma]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

Started Feb very easy and certainly helped nauseas etc. I thought I was not nervous but it’s a tiny pinch less than a blood test and fine. For me anyway

[Justanothermama]

Easy injections! Of all the injections I’ve done for RA, the methotrexate was the least painful and easiest. You can ive he area to numb it, but I honestly didn’t need to do any of that. Wipe with alcohol, let it dry, pinch and poke, inject! It made a world of difference for my stomach when I stopped the pills. Good luck! You’ll do just fine!!!

[Grubbypaws]

Can I ask, about how much of the needle goes in? Is it just push in the tip and inject?

[charisma in reply to Grubbypaws]

I think most are prescribed the Metoject Pen, and responses above reflect this.

But it sounds to me as if you have been given the type with a sort of double handle thing at the top? I was never shown how to use those, also too difficult with sore hands anyway.

I saw one only because one of the GPSs prescribed it in error.

I sensibly did not use it as I had to sign to say I’d been shown how to use the other type only; it would be unsafe for all to use one I’d not had demonstrated.

mims.co.uk/metoject-pens-re...

[Grubbypaws in reply to charisma]

Yes, it's the metoject prefilled pen I have. It's tiny so I don't think there's too much I can do wrong!

[charisma in reply to Grubbypaws]

Good! Just sit it straight against the skin on top of the thigh or straight out from tummy, an inch or two away from belly button. You’ll be absolutely fine. 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Grubbypaws]

Is your met pen being delivered as mine I has a nurse come out to check me and watch the first injections

[Grubbypaws in reply to Hidden]

No, I got mine at the pharmacy. I'm not in the UK so things slightly different here (Greece).

[Hidden in reply to Grubbypaws]

Oh ok that makes sense but honestly it is easy just read up on it by type of injection and relax if this helps you but don’t overthink the worries. Or just a thought. Could you go to local Doctor and get nurse to watch you doing first one?

[nomoreheels]

With being new to injecting I can understand why you're nervous about doing it but with the Metoject pen it is really straightforward & once you’ve done a few you'll be fine. I've been using them since 2013, prefilled syringe since 2010 prior to that, & you’ve been given lots of help but maybe a look at the video in this link would also help metoject.com/spain/about-me...

Like Hidden I don't use the alcohol swab as I found it stings but as I inject straight after my morning shower my skin is clean. I don't inject into my thigh either, I found it uncomfortable so inject into my tum, alternate sides each week. When I receive my monthly prescription I write L or R on the box so I don't have to remember which side I injected the previous week. Don't be alarmed if you happen to bruise now & then, you'll have just happened to catch a capillary, easy to do.

I hope you do find the injections better than the tablets, most do. If you have any more questions just ask, best that way than worrying yourself.

[Grubbypaws in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for the tips!

[springcross]

Hi Grubbypaws. First off, do not panic. I did with the first one and ruined it. Wash your hands. I always wear disposable gloves and keep tissues handy. This is what the Rheumy nurse told and showed me. Check on the box that it is the correct amount (15 mg or 20 mg whatever) and I was also told to check that the box had my name on it. When you get the injection pen out, make sure again that it has the correct amount on it and that it is within the use-by date - the print is small but you can see it. When you remove the top of the injection pen, lift the top straight off and do not twist the top to get it off, if you do you will probably damage the tube inside (which I did do once as I had forgotten to not twist). If you inject your stomach make sure you are at least 5 cm from your belly button and inject a different side each time. I always do right stomach, left stomach, right leg then left leg, then start again on the right stomach on the fifth week. I have put a link below about the Metoject pen which will be very handy for you. Just remember to keep the pen upright and pinch a little bit of fat (if you have any) place the end of the pen on your skin and without yet pressing the button of the pen, apply a little pressure to the tube then press the button and hold it, count to five slowly then let your pinch of skin go and release the pen. Make sure that no leaks have appeared on your skin and if they have, wash off straight away with soap and water and wash any clothes that have any spillage on them. Put your used Metoject into the sharps bin along with any gloves, tissues you have used. Wash your hands and you are done. Sorry if this sounds a bit clinical but this was drummed into me.

metoject.co.uk/app/uploads/...

[Grubbypaws in reply to springcross]

That's great, thank you.

[allanah]

The pen does all the work! , personal things I do ....

i always get it out if the fridge 29 mins before as I find it less painful that way. Take a breath and relax the muscle again makes it easier .

I personally just wash the area first I don't use the swab as it gives me redness.

Then press the button. Its worse thinking about it than doing it . Let us know how it goes and good luck

[Grubbypaws in reply to allanah]

Mine doesn't say to keep it in the fridge. It came out of a drawer at the pharmacy. Maybe it's different? I'll try to add a photo.

[Hidden in reply to Grubbypaws]

Mine MTX is not in a fridge either so check your type and what you were/how to store.

[Grubbypaws in reply to allanah]

No sorry I can't add a photo!

[Hidden in reply to Grubbypaws]

You can only add photo to your original post by editing and ADD photo

[allanah in reply to Grubbypaws]

That's fine , mine were different so you dont need to if they are already at room temperature if in a package then , sorry to worry you !!!xxx

[MagsLough]

MTX injection is easy, peasy and absolutely pain free so don't stress about it as it only takes a few seconds

I remember those days with fondness as I'm doing my Benepali jab - which has a real sting in the tail

[CarolineGN]

Hi - one extra tip for you. I found that it bruised on my thighs and now only do them in my stomach which doesn’t bruise. Good luck! You’ll be a dab hand at it in no time.

[Grubbypaws in reply to CarolineGN]

Thank you. I think I will start in my stomach and rotate each week right to left then thighs and see how it goes.

[Feank]

I felt sick on the oral tablets, and next day felt dreadful. The injection was much much better and I didn't have the side effects. It's easy to do, if it's the spring loaded type of injection.. Don't worry it will fine. I'm off it now as jyst started benapali on its own! Never felt better... Hope this helps... Stay well x