Methotrexate; Tablets or Injections??

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Good Morning,

I have had RA for two years and have been on Methotrexate (tablets).  This does make me nauseous and affects my liver enzymes so my consultant has suggested Methotrexate injections.

Has anyone had any experience with the injections and self injecting as I am a tad nervous when it comes to needles  rolleyes

Any views on whether Methotrexate tablets or injection works better?

Thanks

Vikki

2

MTX comes in a pre filled pen. Also some prefer a small needle. I like the eppi pre filled poem. Just injested int fatty tissue in tummy. I feel nothing. I had to p so the pen injections after aThr surgery and my partner uses them for diabetis. The best invention cured my fear of needle. 

Soo easy. First time I actually shocked myself there was no pain and I was all ready for the preconceived horror I had in visioned.

 

3

Thanks ~ That is what I was hoping to hear

I am just hoping that any horrid side effects also disappear if I use the injections.

4

Yes I totally understand and that a whole other issue. Keep a journal to keep track of side effects good days in order for better treatment.

5

Hi Vikki,

ive had RA for eight years.  I was on Methotrexate tablets initially but I was taking the maximum dose and it was affecting me in the same way as it's affecting you.  I was out onto injections and the change was amazing.  Yes, it is a bit daunting to begin with but the needles are very fine, you will be given lessons on how to self inject. It's just a question of doing the first couple, after that it becomes second nature. Like I said, the needles are very fine and are painless.  If you live in the uk they are changing the syringes to the pen type so they're even easier to use.

i felt so much better when I went onto the injections. As it was explained to me, the injections by pass your stomach so the nausea disappears. I would definitely recommend them.

6

Yes, I've had both. Which one works better? Depends on what you mean? If you mean is one more effective in pushing down the disease, then both work just as well. If you mean in terms of nausea, the injections work better.

Are you currently taking folic acid?

Since I'm not from the UK, I have no clue what type of specialist, if a specialist at all, a "consultant" is. Can you be specific?

 

7

Thanks,

It's so good to hear positive responses (haven't had many of those before!)

I definately feel better about trying the injections

8

Thanks for your response,  I guess I was asking if either work better for the actual disease but also in terms of nausea.

I am currently taking folic acid 6 days a week.

My consultant is a specialist within the RA field who I have regular visits with and who suggests which medication I should try.

9

A journal is a fantastic idea ~ thanks for your advice

10

I self-injected for two years and as it by-passes the stomach it avoids problems related to digestion and so on.

I resisted at first but you quickly get used to it. Use the very fine 'diabetes' needles, you'll find them less scary.

11

Sorry, still don't understand what type of credentials your specialist has. In the US there's special licensing and board certification for various levels of doctors. This way you know exactly what kind of training one has.,

I always advocate being proactive and having a collaborative relationship with a board certified rheumatologist. The patient is responsible for learning everything about the disease, the treatments, the drug options. This way, once informed, you decide with your board certified rheuumatologist which treatments are appropriate for you.

I'm used to a more "hands on" and specific approach.