For those of you taking injectable MTX (and whatever other meds there are that come in injectable form), does it just depend on the pharmacy as to whether you must use a regular needle or a pen similar to an epi-pen?
Also, I am assuming that the MTX and the biologics are not intravenous injections, but instead ones that go into fat or muscle... is that correct?
Many thanks in advance for any replies.
I think most of us use the same needles diabetics use. They are small enough that there is just a little sting going in..nothing much at all.
MTX, enbrel, humira, kineret are injections that go into muscle or fat. Remicade, orencia and rituxan are infusions given by IV
Dr.
I *think* the dr. has to write for you to get a "sure click". Hopefully someone will chime in here soon with more info. I just use regular needles and they go SQ (under the skin) I don't give any injections IM, they hurt too bad and I don't think there is any research to support that it works any better than SQ.
Phats
Phats, thanks for giving me the right terminology of "sure click" so I can stop calling it an "epi-pen!" ;)
Buckeye, that's good to know about the diabetic needles. I have no issues with the pain of a needle, but for some reason, they make me faint. I'm relieved to know, too, which shots are IV.
Again, thanks so much to both of you for responding!
My needles are small, used for diabetics. I shoot my MXT sub q (fat) and it works fine. Hardly feel the prick of the needle and MXT liquid doesn't hurt. LindyOkay, Lindy, I looked up these syringes and they don't seem so scary.
I take it that you order the syringes yourself from a supplier, right? In other words, they aren't included in the bag wtih the prescription, right?
Thanks!
I use enbrel and it is injected via sure click dispenser. Sometimes it doesn't click to retract the needle. I have to move it around and sometimes just manually pull out the needle. I hate it, but the meds seem to work.
Hi,
I am on enbrel and in the UK it comes with a syringe. The needle is teeny tiny though! You get a training session with a Nurse first then you do your first injection with them. I have a friend whois on Humira and she has an issue with needles so she goes to her GP surgery asnd the nurse there does her injections. I was terrified at the thought of it but it's actually OK... As long as I remember to let the injection warm up to room temp and not do it straight from the fridge (otherwise it stings when the liquid goes in). You gat to practise on some fake flesh first as the techbiques helps to stop it hurting. The injection is subcutaneous (into fat under the skin) so you do it wherever you can pinch an inch! On my tummy that is quite easy...
KT
My doctor prescribed the sure click after asking if I would be able to give myself an injection - hubby answered before I did NO, but with the sure click if he is not around I can inject myself. I agree with KT my tummy is the best place for me, I usually bruise injection is in the hip area.
When you start taking either Humira or Enbrel they have you come into the drs office to do your first shot. For a few reasons; to make sure you dont have an allergic reaction and also to make sure you are doing the shot right. For those they come already with the needle, if you take Mtx via injections your RD will write a script for you to get. The dr also needs to specifiy on the script if you are going to be taking it subq or with the sure click, you cannot request it yourself.
I did my first Enbrel injection on my own at home using the sure-click. I find that it needs to be taken out of the fridge about 45 min before injection to minimize the sting. It still stings, only not as bad.
PJ