Methotrexate sodium injections...

I've taken methotrexate pills and the injections. I took MTX for about 7 years. (I hated taking MTX in either form because it makes you feel so run down and weak.The side effects that I experienced were hair loss, anemia, easy bruising, exhaustion, and being very sensitive to smells. I also hated that I couldn't drink alcohol without mortal fear of liver damage.) MTX is relatively cheap either way. If you get the injectable vials, you will have to purchase syringes and a sharps container. I switched from MTX to Arava about a year ago. I feel much better and it looks like my RA is under better control since I switched from MTX. I also take Enbrel and other meds. I don't know if MTX has sodium in it.

I've taken both pills and injections, had side effects of mouth sores from both, some people have more nausea from pills. Methotrexate is the generic form of the drug and is cheap compared to most of the RA meds.  My doc says the injections are much more effective than pills.  Unfortunately my RA is aggressive and after several months the mtx was not enough and I have added enbrel.

Hi i've taken the injection and pill form now for Mtx.... i only took the injection for 6 months.. then my specialist switched me to pills..i take 6/week.. the only symtoms i had was slight naseua and a lil hair loss.. but i also take folic acid to help w/ that problem... im 18 and have had RA for a year.. MTX has really helped me and the pill formis much better than injections - no alcohol either while taking...messes ur stomach up.. trust me... but talk to ur own doctor for mor info.. cus only they can determine wats rite for u.. and theytold me watever medicine u choose will basically have the about he same sideffects...but i with my experience it has helped me.

--Jenni

Hi I have taken both the oral and injectable forms.  I switched to the injections as my rheumy thought it might be better absorbed.  My RA is still not under control so I can't tell if it is the methotrexate or the disease that makes me feel unwell.  I do know that for a day or two after I take my injection I feel run down and slightly worse than my usual.  I am on other DMARDs as well so don't know if the side effects are due to one or the combination.  Slight hair loss, some GI disturbances and one bout of a bad chest infection that got better when I stopped taking the metotrexate for a few weeks.  Liquid methotrexate is available without a preservative.  The drug is relatively cheap compared to the biologics which is the next step for me. 

Hi, I've taken the pills and at 8 a week I came down with MTX poisoning.  My Rheumatologist suggested the injectable which I've been on for about 4 months.  The side effects I experienced from the injectable form are diarrhea, nausea, mouth sores, bruising, pinpoint red bruises at my last injection site and extreme fatigue.  I was supposed to inject yesterday but didn't.  I hate the mouth sores most of all, it has ruined my teeth too.  I did this against my doctor's nurse's advice (she suggested that I lower the dosage to .4 instead of .6) and they don't know yet that I have not injected as of yesterday.  I don't know what is going to happen and I do wonder if this is a foolish thing to do.  I guess I could use advice in that area.  Many swear by MTX, that it saved their lives but I am confused.  I wish you the best.  Oh, my MTX costs me nothing as I have great prescription coverage.