Metoject pen - first time use - UPDATE

[Baner]

Due to gastric problems taking oral MTX have been changed to injections using Metoject pen. Rheumy doctor said it was easy to use and no need for nurse to show me how to use it. First batch have just been delivered and in the quick guide included says “requires a healthcare professional to demonstrate how to use the proper injection technique”. There is a detailed illustrated guide which seems quite straightforward so before I phone Rheumy helpline can anyone advise if I need a demonstration?

UPDATE

Nurse at my GP surgery has now shown me how to use Metoject pen, very simple and probably could have managed without demonstration. Another hurdle dealt with. Thanks for everyone’s input.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I've given myself ordinary injections of heparin for years - but I still got a lesson from the nurse for the Actemra jab and still managed to not get it quite right when she supervised the first one! The metoject is probably easier (not used one) but very poor of the doctor to assume you didn't need showing. Do you feel confident to try it from the instructions?

[Baner in reply to PMRpro]

Was feeling confident before pack arrived but now not so sure. Doctor did say I could phone helpline if I had a problem so think will do that as I don’t need to use it till next Monday

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Baner]

In that case - I would ask. Better to be sure you are happy.

[MrsNails]

I declined the lesson but had previous experience during Chemo & as a Student Nurse. But if it’s totally new to you - l’d ask and it doesn’t hurt at all 🙏🏼 Much easier than taking those tiny tablets!

Good Luck 🍀

[Pawscat11]

I found it as simple as doing the thumb prick for blood for my diabetic check. It does not hurt at all. Just dont use same place two weeks running. It didn't suit me but that was not injection problem.

[PMRCanada]

I too started on MTX, but injections from the get go. Because I had previously drawn and injected B12 subcutaneously (and I have plenty of excess fat on my thighs), I didn't have any issues. What I did find, however, was that some of the sample syringes/needles provided by the pharmacist had safety features which I was not familiar with. It was easiest for me to use a straight 1ml syringe with a small gauge needle, but that meant drawing and injecting the full syringe as my dose is 1ml every week. I've also let my daughter who is studying nursing inject me a few times so she could practice.

When this prescription of MTX runs out I may ask my rheumy about prescribing Metoject pens as I've heard they are much easier to handle (and are pretty much painless) - similar to what our step-dad uses to administer his insulin. I believe it would be covered under my current healthcare insurance.

No harm in asking for a demonstration so you can relax and be assured/confident about the process. My hope for you is that injections will elminate gastric issues that the pill form is causing. I will say I have not been nauseous once injecting MTX.

[SheffieldJane]

My husband does mine after I chickened out a bit and squirted extremely expensive Actemra all over my bedroom. He is very good at it and it suits me fine.

[Baner in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you, my husband has watched a video about it and is confident it is not too complicated so will let him do it

[Coffeebeans]

It is straightforward but you could ask for a demo if you would prefer.

I was on it through lockdown therefore watched a video on it - I didn't see anyone. Have you tried googling metoject video? That might be useful.

[Baner in reply to Coffeebeans]

We have found the video now, looks quite straightforward so my husband is going to do it as he feels quite confident doing it, thanks for info

[Coffeebeans in reply to Baner]

Oh good. I found it pain free with just a tingle afterwards. Worth wiping any yellow liquid from the skin afterwards as it can cause irritation apparently.

Good luck.

[Rottsuzi]

Hi , they probably should have showed you but it is quite straight forward, I do mine on the thighs and I don’t even feel it . When you pull the yellow top of and hold it against your thigh and push the top hold it and count to 5 and that should be it , just make sure you drink lots of water and I do get a bit blah feeling the next day . Hope this helps x

[Baner in reply to Rottsuzi]

Thank you, feel rubbish for few days after oral MTX so hoping jabs will be better

[Travs]

I have been swapped from oral to sub cut (injections) too. My first delivery is on Friday so Im reading your thread with interest.Like others have said I have had plenty of experience injecting others as a Paramedic but none at all injecting myself. Im just going to go for it and find out how easy it is, Im sure once I have done it once it will be easy, after all whats the worst thing that could happen ? I may inject myself with MTX which is what I want anyway.

Good luck.

[Baner in reply to Travs]

Thanks for your input, I have zero medical experience but when Rheumy doctor explained the injections to me it seemed quite straightforward to do yourself. It was only when reading the Quick Guide which came with the pens that said demonstration was “required” I started to get concerned. Have now watched the video I found and think it will be OK as my husband thinks his engineering background gives him all experience he needs to take over! don’t need to use until next Monday so will report back open how it goes.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Travs]

Having done both, I think the most difficult bit is the difference in position between self-jabbing and jabbing someone else.

[Amkoffee]

Have you searched YouTube? There may be an instruction video of doing it?.

[Baner in reply to Amkoffee]

Yes have found a video, it looks fairly easy

[Josephinem]

I was given a demonstration and so many things to remember.

[Poshcards]

I inject and it is very easy, but if I were you I would ask the nurse at your GP to show you the first time x