Metoject, a Pre-filled Methotrexate Syringe

Designed Specifically for People with

Rheumatoid Arthritis is Now Available

Taken from NRAS magazine, Winter 2006

Until now, patients who rely on injectable methotrexate to manage their medication have had to use a version made up by a pharmacist known as a ‘special’. This has not been ideal as sometimes the packaging of ‘specials’ has been basic, the syringe tricky to use and the storage requirements stringent.

Metoject is an ‘off the shelf’ product that has already been used in many countries in Europe for several years and has now been launched in the UK.

It is available as pre-filled syringes in five different strengths 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg and 25mg. This means people with RA can have standard, accurate dosages making subcutaneous administration more straightforward for use at home.

 

 

The syringe is short and stubby with specially designed wings to make it easy to use

 

 

 

Metoject is manufactured and distributed by Medac UK and is available through hospital and retail pharmacies and via home delivery company, Central Homecare Ltd.

Because methotrexate has historically been used in the treatment of cancer, there is a long held perception that it is a dangerous drug and therefore that home administration is risky. An expert committee met recently to review the evidence available on this and concluded that the doses of the drug involved in the treatment of RA are so small when comparing them with typical doses used in oncology, that providing guidelines are followed there is no significant risk to patients or carers when being administered at home.

Metoject is the only methotrexate injection licensed to treat RA in the UK.