This webpage is intended for UK patients who have been prescribed Metoject® PEN. If you are not, please click here.
Offering the simplicity of a button-free autoinjector, purpose designed with patient-friendly features – Available from March 2024
Introducing Metoject® PEN
Metoject® PEN is an easy-to-use pre-filled methotrexate auto-injector which should be used once a week.
At the start of your treatment, Metoject® PEN may be injected by medical staff. However, your doctor may decide that you can learn how to inject Metoject® PEN yourself. You will receive appropriate training for you to do this.
Understanding methotrexate
Methotrexate is part of a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants and works by slowing down the body’s immune system1 .
This stops the body from attacking itself, which has the effect of reducing the swelling and inflammation that causes swollen and stiff joints in rheumatoid arthritis, the thickened skin in psoriasis or damage to the bowel in Crohn’s disease2 .
It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or it can be used in combination with other treatments in order to help the other medication(s) work more effectively by preventing the body from building up antibodies3 .
Using Your Metoject® PEN
The video below explains how to use your Metoject® PEN.
Getting to know your Metoject® PEN
Storage
Metoject® PEN should be stored in its box, ensuring it is protected from light and maintained at room temperature (15–25 °C). The shelf life of Metoject® PEN is 2 years.
Air Bubble
If an air bubble is visible through the transparent control zone, do not try and remove it, as it will not affect the dose or cause harm.
Disposal
Metoject® PEN is a single use autoinjector and cannot be refilled. After use, the pen should be disposed of in a purple topped cytotoxic sharps bin or as instructed by your HCP. All other waste can be disposed of in the normal household waste.
Travelling with Metoject® PEN
Metoject® PEN should be kept in its original packaging and you should carry it in your hand luggage. This prevents your Metoject® PEN from getting lost and the storage temperature of between 15 – 25 °C can be controlled. Should the temperature rise above 25 °C in the aircraft cabin, you should ask a flight attendant to store your Metoject® PEN in a fridge on board. If you plan to travel to warmer areas, you should consider carrying a small cooling box for the transport from the airport to your hotel.
In the event of unexpected travel delays, it is advisable to carry additional Metoject® PENs with you. If you require documentation to confirm that you need to bring your Metoject® PEN for therapeutic reasons when entering a foreign country, a travel certificate is included in your starter pack. Completed forms are generally accepted in most countries.
Guidance for Adults and Adolescents Prescribed Metoject® PEN
Guidance for Adults and Adolescents Prescribed Metoject® PEN
For more information on how to use or administer Metoject® PEN for adults.
Guidance for Children Prescribed Metoject® PEN
For more information on how to use or administer Metoject® PEN to juveniles.
To receive a physical copy of support materials, please ask your healthcare professional or order a copy here.
Treatment Categories
Please select the relevant link below for Metoject® PEN usage information for dermatology or rheumatology.
Reporting of Side Effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet contained within your Metoject® PEN carton.
You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Further Information & Questions
References:
- About Methotrexate. NHS.uk. [online] Available at: www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/about-methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
- Common Questions about Methotrexate. NHS.uk. [online] Available at: www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/common-questions-about-methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
- Psoriasis Association. [online] Available at: www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/methotrexate. Last Accessed May 2023.
- Metoject® Summary of Product Characteristics. [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=metoject#gref/. Last Accessed May 2023
- Methotrexate and Its Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). NRAS. [online] Available at: nras.org.uk/resource/methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
- Systemic Treatments. Psoriasis Association. [online] Available at: psoriasis-association.org.uk/systemics. Last Accessed May 2023.
- How to Approach Your Rheumatology Consultation. [online] Available at: https://nras.org.uk/resource/how-to-approach-your-rheumatology-consultation/ Last Accessed June 2023.