Travelling with Metoject

Maya_m

Hi everyone!

Quite new here. First diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in June (after over a year of pain and being exhausted and doctors not even considering referral to Rheumatologist) and started on methotrexate 5 weeks ago. My consultant decided that due to possible absorption issues and to reduce the risk of side effects I should take it as subcut injections. (listening and reading to different stories here, I should be grateful for her decision). All was quite overwhelming and scary and I think this community is really helpful - not feeling that alone and it's so hard not to, even with friends and family.

But to the point: holiday time - much needed. I already got the letter from the hospital stating that I will be carrying the medication /syringe /pen in my hand luggage. I got myself a little insulated case. Now, metoject doesn't need to be refrigerated but kept below 25C - would you freeze the inserts that go in that case or would this possibly bring the temperature too low? Can the icy pack affect methotrexate? Also, I'm planning to take 2 pens with me, despite going for a week only - just in case. And finally, does anyone take the cytotoxic spill kit or sharps bin with them?? I mean, that's a lot to carry in the luggage (that costs a lot!) How would you dispose of used pen? The needle is well covered but there are normally tiny droplets of the medicine left - wouldn't feel right to just chuck it in any normal bin.

Finally, I love sea and swimming. Is it OK to go in the sea soon after injecting? Is it better to use some waterproof dressing?

Anything else I should think of?

I will really appreciate any advice. 🙏😘

annabanana

Hi @Maya_m thank you for posting on the community and hope you're looking forward to your holiday!

I use the metoject pen every week and you can usually pop into your pharmacy and request a travel sized sharps bin and they will be able to give you more advice on what to do with it when travelling back and managing your medication whilst your on holiday etc. I usually just bring it in hand luggage and carry my medication/documentation with me and never had any issues.

I also have gone swimming after injecting (albeit in a loch and swimming pool, not in the sea) and not had any difficulties other than the "usual" pain I normally have for a bit after injecting. If you are worried about it then I would say to use a waterproof dressing over the injection site just for ease of mind.

A final piece of advise is to make sure you look after yourself if you are travelling somewhere sunny as methotrexate can make you more sensitive to the sun/heat - I've attached a link which outlines this. Just adding as it is something not many people know and I didn't even find out about until an unfortunate reaction on holiday last summer 😅😂.

https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/methotrexate-advise-patients-to-take-precautions-in-the-sun-to-avoid-photosensitivity-reactions#:~:text=sun%20exposure%20during%20methotrexate%20treatment,tanning%20equipment)%20while%20taking%20methotrexate