Metoject ® (methotrexate) available in a 

higher strength thanks to feedback

from patients

Taken from NRAS magazine, Spring 2009

From May 2009, Metoject’s methotrexate subcutaneous injections will be available in a lower volume 50mg/ml pre-filled syringe. This means that the same dose should be easier to inject. In fact, the injection volume is 20% of the 10mg/ml and 50% of the unlicensed product most commonly used in the UK.

The new improved Metoject syringe has been developed thanks to feedback from patients that have used and are using Metoject 10mg/ml. The two main comments patients had about the 10mg/ml product was that the needle was difficult to put onto the syringe and that they would prefer less volume of drug to inject. As a result, Metoject’s new syringe has a fixed needle and the lower volume of methotrexate means that it is much simpler to give the injection.

People with rheumatoid arthritis will notice:

• Enlarged wings as well as a fixed needle on the syringe which makes it easier to use
• Clearly labeled packaging to help prevent dosing errors
• A two year shelf life from the date of manufacture which means that people can be prescribed up to three months treatment
• The syringes can be stored at room temperature
• An air bubble in the syringe to aid full and accurate dosing of the product - it is meant to be there and should not be removed before injecting Metoject.

Metoject 50mg/ml will be available as 7.5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 25mg doses. People who are currently using Metoject can expect to be switched to the new product over the next six months as the 10mg/ml product will be phased out in the UK.

The new range of syringes has been licensed in the UK and other EU markets.