Injected vs oral methotrexate - did you get less side... - NRAS

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Injected vs oral methotrexate - did you get less side effects after switching?

21 Replies

Looking for advice! My neutrophil and white cell count seems to be hanging in there just on the wrong side of things but to help with the awful nausea and even worse constant tummy pain from the Methotrexate the rheumatology team have suggested switching from tablets to injections. Does anybody have experience with switching and did it lessen the side effects? Thank you!

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21 Replies

I suffered with severe bloating and nausea just for a few hours but with injections I get nothing. I believe they work better as I get the full dose nothing is lost through digestive system

in reply to

Thank you, that sounds positive 👍🏻

I was only on the injections for a month but would say they are definitely better than the tablets. Doesn't hurt at all either 👍

in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Thank you! Sounds like worth a try 😳How are you? I hope things are improving x

Marionfromhappydays profile image
Marionfromhappydays in reply to

Yeah give it a go, straight in and no messing with your guts 👍

I'm still pretty blah but consultant appointment in June so hanging on in there x Thanks for asking x

rounder profile image
rounder

The switch certainly helped reduce the nausea and bloating for me.

Flor1rence profile image
Flor1rence

definitely feel better with injections 😉

smilelines profile image
smilelines

I didn't even feel the needle go in. They tell you to hold it like a dart. Super easy. Once a week.

Thank you all! Sounds like next thing to try then ..

smilelines profile image
smilelines

I really liked the injections. Once a week and didn't hurt eat all. They told me to hold it like a dart and pop it into my stomach. Easy peasy!! Unfortunately I still got huge cramping so I am now on Leflunimide which seems to be much better for me so far.

in reply tosmilelines

It‘s the cramping I find worst too! Thank you

smilelines profile image
smilelines in reply to

I think it is for sure worth a try. If that does not work them maybe they will try something else. I was never on the pills and I lasted on the injections for only three weeks. My cramps were so bad that I couldn't sleep and just lay there in pain. Really I don't see a downside in trying the injections unless you are really afraid of the needle. I had the metoject refilled disposable syringe. Needle was teeny tiny. No need to worry about remembering to take medication everyday. I really hope it works well for you! I was disappointed to go off of it as it was so easy.

Downtime profile image
Downtime

Yes the injections are much better. No stomach discomfort and bloating and I don’t get the mouth sores I had on the tablets.

BoneyC profile image
BoneyC

I switched from oral MTX to injectable to give stomach a rest.

Feank profile image
Feank

Yes..so easy and painless with less side effects! Also found taking folic acid evey day except injection day a billy bonus too! Go for it I say. Good luck. Have a good weekend.

in reply toFeank

Thank you you too 😊

janmary profile image
janmary

I had to change to injections after severe symptoms on tabs. Much better gastric wise and also easier - hated those tiny tablets

Freddiefan profile image
Freddiefan

Hi, I’ve recently changed from tablets to the injection because after more than two years I began suffering with 3 days of nausea. The metoject is quick and painless and no nausea. So , win win. X

lucymead profile image
lucymead

Much better on injections. Just make sure you take the folic acid tablets you may be prescribed as instructed.

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

I found the injections very easy to use, but unfortunately changing to injections from tablets didn't prevent my gut issues.

Helen-NRAS profile image
Helen-NRASModerator

Good morning. If you would like support, information or just someone to talk to, our NRAS helpline is open every week day from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650. Or have a look at our website nras.org.uk. Kind regards.

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