methotrexate pens

[106600]

I was diagnosed in 2004 with RA.Taking methotrexate with vial and syringe in Canada. Now in U.K. having to use pen which is marking my legs every week when used.

Any suggestions or anyone with the same problem?

Thanks!

[KittyJ]

marking your leg in what way, can you add a photo?

[106600]

On both legs- hope it’s clear.

[Gnarli]

I found I had little round bruise-like marks occasionally. Are you getting a similar mark? I decided to change to my tummy ( avoiding an inch diameter around the navel) because there's a bit more podge to aim for and I've not marked since. I hope that helps?

[106600 in reply to Gnarli]

Many thanks- will try that next week.

[ABwn in reply to Gnarli]

Is it easier to do it in stomach? And any other area that you should avoid in the stomach? Legs are very marked now!

[Gnarli in reply to ABwn]

I am not an expert so this is just my personal experience. I use a Metoject pen and find it easy enough to do. You do need to avoid the navel area. Give it a good margin of over an inch, grab a fold of skin, and there you go. Unless I hit a nerve or a capillary, it doesn't mark or hurt. I have skinny old-lady legs so there's little 'padding' and they looked very marked. If possible, I'd contact your rheumy team and ask their professional opinion.

[106600 in reply to Gnarli]

Did tell Rheumy nurse she didn’t seem to think it was a big deal!!

[Gnarli in reply to 106600]

I'm glad she's not mine!

[ABwn in reply to Gnarli]

Will do. The nurses were the ones who originally showed me how to do it into my legs and alternate every week. Like you I have skinny legs - I think I've developed into apple shape!! Thanks Gnarli.

[CagneysMum]

I had the same problem so switched to my tummy. Doesn’t mark other than the occasional bruise if I hit a blood vessel by accident… and doesn’t hurt so much. Good luck 🤞

[cyberbarn]

i use Metoject and was advised to rotate between each leg and each side of my tummy avoiding the navel area. I wonder if you are pressing down with the pen too hard, or pinching the skin too hard? It might be a good idea as others have said to have a word with your rheumy team.

[Pulfs]

I inject in my tummy area as found the leg always left a bruise. Try this instead x

[Durrell]

yes I’m with Gnarli here, I do tummy alternating side weekly, no marks.. hope this helps you in the future..

[Amandaazz]

Yes! I had quite bad bruising each time I jabbed. I was doing it first thing in the morning before work, about 8.15am. And I wasn't pinching my thigh. Now changed to evening jab at 6pm, still squashing my thigh and the bruising hardly happens now. I do think the metoject pens are quite heavily spring loaded! The evening jab is also a lot better for me, I do it, have some dinner, go to bed and don't suffer the side effects so badly and get through the day a lot better. Still tired, but deffo a lot better 😊

[106600 in reply to Amandaazz]

OK thanks for sharing with me!Will give you’re suggestions a try next week for sure.

[Happy5]

Were you shown how to use them when prescribed them? The specialist nurse showed and supervised me the first time. Also I reread the leaflet that comes with them, slow myself down , when doing them. My skin is thinner so marks easily, but rare I get a problem .