New to methotrexate

kazrobos

Hello there, I have just had a appointment with my rheumatologist and he has decided to put me on methotrexate. My wrists are pretty damaged and I am in alot of pain with them and my ankles. I had an injection on tuesday and then he said I have to go visit a rheumatogy nurse to discuss the rest of my treatment. He also said that I could have a choice of tablets or injection.
I am a bit confused and have a few questions that you maybe able to help me with,,,
Are the methotrexate injections normally weekly? As I have no appointment for another injection next week.
Is there alot of difference between the tablet and injection and finally
I have read somewhere that you can possibly inject the methotrexate youself?
Lots of questions I'm afraid, many thanks in advance,
Karen x

skezier

Hi Karen,

I am not on MTX but I have read quite a few posts about it (I have a feeling it will be my next add in) and you can inject it your self. Someone who really knows will be along soon but I just wanted to say Hi and welcome. Take care and I hope it all goes well for you, Cris

janie68

Hi karen

mtx injections are weekly as well as tablets. The difference is that if you have injection then you absorb 99% of the drug and works better, whereas tablet form you only absorb around 33%.

You are supposed to have fewer side effects with the injection too although this is not the case for everyone.

Hope this helps

Janie

bionic

kazrobos wrote:

Hello there, I have just had a appointment with my rheumatologist and he has decided to put me on methotrexate. My wrists are pretty damaged and I am in alot of pain with them and my ankles. I had an injection on tuesday and then he said I have to go visit a rheumatogy nurse to discuss the rest of my treatment. He also said that I could have a choice of tablets or injection.
I am a bit confused and have a few questions that you maybe able to help me with,,,
Are the methotrexate injections normally weekly? As I have no appointment for another injection next week.
Is there alot of difference between the tablet and injection and finally
I have read somewhere that you can possibly inject the methotrexate youself?

Lots of questions I'm afraid, many thanks in advance,
Karen x

Hi Karen I have changed from methotrexate tablets (25mg) to the injection which I do myself weekly, although I had been on the tablets for years all of a sudden I started feeling very sick and ill on them, I dont get it with the injections but dont feel they are doing such a good job I have gone back to having to get the hubby to get me out of bed during the night and in the mornings, I am off to see the consultant next week so will discuss it with him and see what he says then.
Good Luck and take care
Rosie X

psyart

Hi

i have been on the tablets but they made me feel nausa everyday!! you should start off on a low dose and then increase slowly!!! write any questions down to ask the nurse - they are normally brill and have more time to talk!!
due to the nausa, i was put onto the injections. I do it myself once a week but had lots help from hospital before starting.

side effects - this is what i suffer from but everyone is different and loads on this site have said they have no side effects:-
nausa - 2 days after injection - but have anti sickness tablets to help!
hair gone dry and skin gone dry. I dont like the stuff but I have talked to my doctor and read lots on here and the stuff does work. My pain has decreased so much that most days it is bareable!! I am able to go back to work ,PT, but thats enough for me!!!

ASk the nurse and anyone else you know who may be on it!!

hope I havent put you off??

Louise

jaspercat

Hi, I have been on the tablets and have now changed to injections, I didn't get on too well with the tablets, I had alot of nausea and felt totally tired out, so I went on to injections, I do these myself once a week, sometimes I feel sick but other times not, doing injections at home myself is ok, and unlike tablets I can do them any time of day, hope you get on ok whatever you decide love Jaspercatxx

lisa11

hi karen
my son has been on methotrexate since october he started on 15mg but now on 20mg i give him it by injection weekly and 2nite is that dreaded nite as he is 12 we are going through the y me stage which is a nightmare but he will admit himself that its not 2 bad it makes him feel sicky the next day but that easily fixed with anti sickness tabs as others have mentioned it is alot more affective by injection belive me i wouldnt put us all through it otherwise good luck :P

lesleygraham

Hi Karen
I was taking mtx tablets years ago but unfortunately they had no effect whatsoever. 5 weeks ago I started the weekly injections aswel as other meds. The nurse will show you how to inject initially, I inject in my thigh, no problems other than a biy sickness a couple of days after, however take anti sickness pill when needed.
I also have my bloods done monthly.
Up to now I feel no improvement but I'm told mtx take up to 3 months to work.
Take care
Les

page35

kazrobos wrote:

Hello there, I have just had a appointment with my rheumatologist and he has decided to put me on methotrexate. My wrists are pretty damaged and I am in alot of pain with them and my ankles. I had an injection on tuesday and then he said I have to go visit a rheumatogy nurse to discuss the rest of my treatment. He also said that I could have a choice of tablets or injection.

hi karen
maybe you had a steriod injection? if you dont have another appointment to get another methotrexate jab? maybe you will see the nurse and then start the methotrexate.
could you call the rheumy to see what jab you had.
sometimes steriod jabs are given to help stop the pain before you start on the other meds.
sorry if i have got this wrong, but doesnt sound right that you would be given metho jab without any other appoinment.
i may have miss understood though.
i have RA and on metho tabs
page