To inject or not to inject, that is my question

[Harry_20]

I got on great with MTX at first, after diagnosis in June 2019, but my bloods weren’t good after six months. Since then, very up and down, gaps with no meds and a two months flare which saw me hobbling about with a stick and shovelling Tramadol in like there was no tomorrow.

Luflunomide has helped but as soon as I rise to a dosage that calms my RA down, my bloods go haywire again. Now possibility of ‘sub cut. MTX’ (injections, I presume).

Will injected MTX be kinder to my liver than the oral med?

[KT888]

I believe they would have the same effects on the liver. You may be put on a lower dose of methotrexate if changed to injectable. When I was changed from oral to injection, dose was decreased from 15mg to 12.5mg. This is because the injection will absorb more of the medication than the oral route. Not sure if the decrease will help the liver.

I'm sorry to hear about your blood work. Hopefully your Rheumy can find a new med treatment soon that will calm your RA, but do not affect your blood. Hang in there!

[stbernhard]

We can't give medical advice on this forum, so I can't answer your question directly. I found that using Metoject rather than tablets was a far better experience for me and also reduced nausea drastically. I am on Metoject for ten years now without problems. Good luck.

[Jollyjill]

Like you, MTX affected my blood counts so my Rheumy referred me to a Hematologist last Summer. I received Iron & B12 infusions for RBCs which cured anemia but she didn’t consider my WBCs seriously low. However my Rheumy took me off MTX & recommended that I start Orencia (abatacept). After reading several research articles I’m not convinced that this is the best course of action since most if not all biologics also cause WBCs. Now that I’m drug free until I make a decision I’ve been diligently taking supplements to help my body regenerate & recover. Surprisingly, the usual joint pain, stiffness etc. I used to experience have stopped & I feel great! Question: what do I do now? Restart MTX but at a lower dose? I prefer this to starting Orencia . Ideas? Thoughts?