Methotrexate injections delivered to your door

Taken from NRAS magazine, Winter 2007

The recent survey of NRAS Members carried out amongst users of methotrexate revealed some areas where there is a lack of information available to people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Information on home delivery of methotrexate syringes was wanted by many completing the survey

One area which was highlighted by the 500 Members who replied was the subject of home delivery services. Half of the respondents knew that a weekly injection was an option and similarly half knew that methotrexate syringes and consumables could be delivered direct to their door. Almost 70% of respondents thought that home delivery would be beneficial, however many did not know how to go about finding a company which could provide this service.

There are a number of homecare companies in the UK who can supply injectable methotrexate to patients at home, s o, how do you identify a suitable supplier? Good, reputable home care companies will have a track record of delivering methotrexate syringes, typically be ISO 9001:2000 accredited and ideally provide the following services:

• Supply items to ensure safe administration of drugs, including needles (if required), sterile wipes, cotton wool balls, gloves, sharps bin etc
• Supply a spill kit
• Regular collection and disposal of clinical waste by a licenced contractor

· A prescription reminder service to ensure continuity of supply of your drug

• A 24-hour help/support line – this is useful for people who are new to managing their therapies at home
• Supply licenced methotrexate syringes. Historically, methotrexate syringes were not licenced. The Department of Health and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain have advised that licenced products should be used in preference to unlicenced.

A 24-hour help/support line is useful for people who are new to managing their therapies at home

The key to ensuring you receive a high quality service is to check that your proposed supplier can meet the current RCN (Royal College of Nurses) guidelines. You can phone the NRAS Helpline for information about the RCN guidelines.

Reasons given for liking home supply include cost savings and convenience. People may not need to take as much time off work; it might be possible to pre-arrange deliveries for a convenient time. This could mean less travelling to and from hospitals.

It is possible that not all hospital departments and GPs are aware that methotrexate home delivery services are available throughout the UK. If your healthcare professional is unaware of these services, then you could refer them to the National Clinical Homecare Association website: www.nchamedical.co.uk for further information.