Well, I changed from taking my MTX orally to self injecting seven weeks ago. It wasn't because I was having any side effects (I've been lucky and had none at all), but my RA was active, CRP readings high for several months, so in a last ditch attempt to get it under control before anti tnf's were considered I changed to injections so none of the MTX tablet dose was lost whilst my body broke it down.
To be honest I didn't think it would make much difference, but went along with it because I really don't want to go down the anti tnf route. My consultant did say that it could make a vast difference but I didn't think that a few extra lost millogrammes of the drug would make much difference at all.
I couldn't of been more wrong. Seven weeks down the line I am so, so much better. No more stiffness in the morning, Silly I know but I can remember thinking when I use to struggle getting out of bed ...how do normal people get out. Well, now I just throw the duvet back and get out. Everything is now so much easier to do.
It got me thinking about the dose and just how strong MTX really must be. I also take 6 SLZ a day, was doing this before I started taking MTX. When you consider that each SLZ is 500mg I would take 3,000 mg of it during the day. Times that by 7 = 21,000 mg weekly. So, taking that into consideration 20mg of MTX weekly is tiny. So, if only a small amount extra of the drug gets into my system, yes Mr Consultant it can make a VAST difference.
So, if anyone of you is struggling whilst taking MTX orally, do ask about injections, it really can make a difference.
Paula
