Son intolerant of Imuran, now starting Methotrexate injections. Any advice?

[CrohnsKidMom]

My 8 yr old son was dx'd with CD in March, started Prednisone on Apr 1, which we began to taper on May 1. We were away for a couple weeks in April, which unfortunately delayed our starting of the Imuran until May 1. A couple weeks into it and we realize my son cannot tolerate Imuran, so that's been discontinued. We are currently at 1/2 of the original Prednisone dose and need a new maintenance drug to kick in quick so that we can get him off the Prednisone completely. We had a GI appt today and he figures my son may not be able to tolerate 6mp, as it is in the same class as Imuran ( plus will take 3 mos to kick in). So, we are going to try Methotrexate, which I understand will start working in about 6 wks. But this has to be administered by weekly injections-by yours truly! I am nervous about this (and my son is none too excited about it either). Does anyone have any experience with Methotrexate injections, or advice for me or my son? I really appreciate it!

 

[S mom]

My son's been doing MTX injections since Sept 11. He's had no side effects or problems related to its use (other than it stopped working for him in Oct 12 so he's now on MTX and Humira. He gets bloodwork done monthly to monitor liver and stuff.
He doesn't bother now but at the start, he used to put ice on his leg (he injects into the thigh) for about 10-15 mins before the shot. He says that they don't really hurt at all. It's just a very small needle - the medication comes in a little vial and he draws up the right amount, taps the air bubbles out, rubs the area with an alcohol swab (lets it dry) and pokes himself (much braver that I'd be, I think ). The nurse at our doctor's office taught him how to inject (he's a teenager - so better him than me!) - she said just hold it like a dart and put it in on a 45 degree angle so it's subcutaneous. Some people complain of tiredness or nausea at first - my son had no problems with this. Just make sure he's taking a folic acid supplement. Good luck - I hope it's the drug for him!

 

[my little penguin]

We did Mtx injections here for DS last summer.
The nurse will teach you how to give it.
Mtx was much easier than humira.
At least according to my son.

Good luck

 

[Jmrogers4]

Sorry no experience with MTX injections my son took the pills but had a reaction to them and had to stop but as far as the crohn's and symptoms it worked really well and it was the first time we had seen an improvement.
Have heard parents talk about a buzzy bee for shots but I don't know much about it hopefully someone can chime in and give you some info on it. In the meantime I'll try and remember which ones it was so that I can tag them for you.

 

[my little penguin]

http://www.buzzy4shots.com/

There is the info

Buzzy works very well for blood draws and iv 's
It works "ok" for shots provided the med itself does not burn
Or cause swelling under the skin ( aka allergy shots)
It does numb the skin

 

[Clash]

My son is on MTX but in the pill form not injection. He has been on MTX since last year and hasn't had any of the icky side effects until the last two weeks and that has only been loose bms the day of the dose(not even sure if it is related to the MTX).

I hope the injections go well and he is doing well soon!!

 

[jmckinley]

My son takes methotrexate injections. Here's what we've discovered....

*Take folic acid supplements! They lessen the side effects.
*Ryan was getting very nauseated, so GI gave him Zofran which he takes about 20 minutes before the shot.
*We give the shot at 3 p.m....he sleeps off the worst of the nausea, but the next day he is G-R-U-M-P-Y...so if that happens, you'll know why. Do the shot when it's convenient for him to take it easy the next day.
*Gatorade, I have no idea why, but it helps if Ryan drinks gatorade the day of and day after the shot.

I hope these help...I also hope your son doesn't have any side effects. Many people don't. They aren't hard to give and only the "pinch" hurts, not the medicine. Best of luck!!

 

[CrohnsKidMom]

Thank you all so much for your advice and encouraging words. I feel a little better now. My son will be taking folic acid, except for the day of the injection, as well Ondansetron tablets for nausea. The GI suggested Fri night injections in case he has any side affects, that way he won't miss any school... just have a miserable weekend, I guess. Hopefully that won't happen! I go for a crash course with the nurse later this week. Thanks again for all your help. It is really appreciated!

 

[Sascot]

Good luck learning to do the injections! Hope it goes well when the meds start.

 

[DustyKat]

Good luck Mum...:ghug:

I hope all goes well with the injections and your lad responds well the Methotrexate. :goodluck:

Dusty. xxx

 

[CrohnsKidMom]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, advice, and encouragement. I did my first MTX injection on my son yesterday. We were both nervous, but it went ok. I will hopefully improve as time goes on. Our prayer now is that this med works with minimal side affects (or none, that would be better!), and we can get him off the prednisone.

 

[DustyKat]

Thanks for the update CKM.

Well done! And it will get easier with each one you give.

Sending loads of well wishes your way that the Meth weaves its magic with your boy. :hug:

Dusty. xxx