starting methotrexate injections.Update

lizzie7ne
lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
edited 18. Jan 2011, 13:15 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have been taking methotrexate in tablet form for a couple of years for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Tomorrow I am starting injections instead of the tablets. My box of preloaded syringes and the other paraphanalia was delivered last week and I am being shown how to inject at Rheumatology clinic tomorrow, it all seems a bit scary.

Anyone else transferred from tablets to injection and did you notice any benefits? Usually I feel pretty awful about four hours after the tablets and it lasts 24 hours, so I guess the side effects will be quicker with injections?

lizzie

Comments

  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lizzie :grin:

    I changed to self injecting Mtx about 3 yrs ago, as I wasn't tolerating it in tablet form (nausea, headaches, liver function problems).

    When I was restarting Mtx my rheummy recommended injections as he said that the Mtx dose can be lower in injectable form (compared to tablets) but just as effective, as it is more easily absorbed .

    I must say that thus far I've found the injectable Mtx doesn't cause me side effects.,,, but I am about to start on a higher dose of 25mgs so will see how that goes.

    Injecting yourself takes a bit of getting used to... it's that psychological barrier! but once you've done it once it is easier next time.
    I don't find the Mtx injections painful to do. You'll be advised to 'rotate' the injection sites... belly, thighs, but I find injecting on the belly the easiest.

    good luck and let us know how you get on.

    Iris xxx
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lizzie
    Sorry I cant help with your question, but I just want to say good luck with it all, and please let us know how you get on.
    Love
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Iris and Barbara - Thanks for your replies very much appreciated. Iris, - I have had Liver function probs, as well as side effects. I was taking 25mg MTX orally, a week and 10mg of Leflunomide a day. My Rheum reduced the MTX to 20mg due to side effects but then my Liver Function went wrong so I have been taken of Leflunomide been off it 6 weeks now. I hve got 20mg MTX prefilled syringes, so hopefully will just need MTX from now on. Yeh its the psychological thing of injecting that is bothering me, but hopefully I will overcome it. Good luck with your increased dose and thanks so much for your reassuring reply

    lizzie
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well I am writing this update for anyone who like me is transferring to methotrexate injection from methotrexate tablets. I was really scared beforehand(dont like needes) however, it all went well yesterday, my Rheumy nurse showed me how to inject and I took a big breath and did it and it was fine. I had my first injection yesterday morning and could not believe the positive difference from taking methotrexate tablets, for me (and I know everyone is different) the awful side effects I experienced with the tablets completely dissappeared.


    Lizzie
  • tjt6768
    tjt6768 Member Posts: 12,170
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just wanted to wish you all the best, sounds like the hardest part is over with now, the first injection.. Hope you get plenty of benefit from it..

    I'm on totally different meds so no advice from me..

    Be well :grin:
    e050.gifMe-Tony
    n035.gifRa-1996 -2013 RIP...
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    Cleo - 1996 to 2011. RIP
  • jennylynn
    jennylynn Member Posts: 101
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thats really great!! that first injection is really really scary! its definitely the hardest part over. You should be really chuffed with yourself for that. I've been injecting my own meth for a good 12 months now, and i have found it pretty much side effect free and i like having control over my own meds.

    good for you!


    Jennyx
    Jennyx

    kittens.jpg?1295453358
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My hospital have recently allowed me to start doing my own meth injections. I must admit I had a slight wobble, despite doing enbrel twice weekly for a few months and humira fortnightly for just over 18 months, but it's fine now. I have no side effects from the injections, and no direct benefit either but I think the meth is staving off the time when the humira 'benefit' will start to wilt. It is quite straightforward once you're used to it. Good luck, you are doing well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Lizzie
    You should be so proud of yourself, I dont think I could inject myself.
    I am so please the initial results are good for you, good luck with it, and let us know how you get on.
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done Lizzie :grin:

    the first one is definitely the worst.. but now you've crossed the psychological barrier of injecting... you'll be fine from here on in!

    I'm so pleased that you're already finding the injection better for limiting side effects. :wink: that's certainly how it's been for me.

    Welcome to the Meth stabbing club! :lol:

    Iris xx
  • nanarose
    nanarose Member Posts: 117
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done Lizzie!

    I self-inject 25mg meth, and apart from being a bit more tired the following day, I don't have any side-effects either.

    I think the first time is the scariest; just hoping that you'll do it properly and not muck it up! It does get easier. :wink:

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