This webpage is intended for UK patients who have been prescribed Metoject® PEN. If you are not, please click here.

Introducing the NEW button-free Metoject® PEN

Offering the simplicity of a button-free autoinjector, purpose designed with patient-friendly features – Available from March 2024

About 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.

Metoject® PEN is available in 10 colour coded doses

Using Your Metoject® PEN

The video below explains how to use your Metoject® PEN.

Metoject® PEN should only be administered once a week

Support Materials

Need a physical copy?
To receive a physical copy of support materials, please ask your healthcare professional or order a copy by clicking the following link.

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take for Metoject® PEN to work?
It can take between 2 and 12 weeks before there is any effect of your treatment, depending on your condition. You will be monitored regularly so do not alter your treatment or stop taking it without speaking to your healthcare professional first.

How many doses are in Metoject® PEN?
The PEN is a single use device and will deliver only one dose. Dispose of the used PEN after injection.

What should I do if there is an air bubble in Metoject® PEN?
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.

What should I do if there is a drop of liquid on the tip of the needle?
Occasionally a small drop of liquid may be visible on the tip of the needle once you have removed the protection cap. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Why won’t the injection start with Metoject® PEN?
Metoject® PEN contains a safety feature which requires sufficient pressure to be applied to the skin to unlock the yellow release button. The injection site surface must be firm throughout the process. Once activated, maintain pressure during the injection without moving the PEN for at least 5 seconds.

Metoject® PEN Reminders

  • Metoject® PEN must only be injected once a week
  • Inject on the same day each week
  • Do not take oral methotrexate if you are taking Metoject® PEN
  • If you forget to inject Metoject® PEN on the correct day, contact your healthcare professional for advice
  • Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol, as methotrexate can cause liver damage
  • Avoid pregnancy whilst being treated with Metoject®® PEN, as methotrexate can harm a growing baby and can cause birth defects
  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with Metoject®® PEN
  • Regular monitoring is important
  • If you experience tiredness or dizziness during treatment, do not drive or use machinery
  • If you are a sexually active male, you must use effective contraception during treatment, and for at least three months after stopping treatment
  • If you are a sexually active female, you must use effective contraception during treatment, and for at least six months after stopping treatment
  • Contact your healthcare professional urgently if you develop a dry cough or become breathless whilst being treated with Metoject® PEN
  • Methotrexate can interact with other drugs so please check with your healthcare professional before you take any other medication
  • Check with your healthcare professional if you need any vaccinations

Treatment Categories

Please select the relevant link below for Metoject® PEN usage information for dermatology or rheumatology.

Reporting 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.

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:

  1. About Methotrexate. NHS.uk. [online] Available at: www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/about-methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
  2. Common Questions about Methotrexate. NHS.uk. [online] Available at: www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/common-questions-about-methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
  3. Psoriasis Association. [online] Available at: www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/methotrexate. Last Accessed May 2023.
  4. Metoject® Summary of Product Characteristics. [online] Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=metoject#gref/. Last Accessed May 2023
  5. Methotrexate and Its Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). NRAS. [online] Available at: nras.org.uk/resource/methotrexate/. Last Accessed May 2023.
  6. Systemic Treatments. Psoriasis Association. [online] Available at: psoriasis-association.org.uk/systemics. Last Accessed May 2023.
  7. How to Approach Your Rheumatology Consultation. [online] Available at: https://nras.org.uk/resource/how-to-approach-your-rheumatology-consultation/ Last Accessed June 2023.