Question
Why did injectable MTX suddenly become unavailable a few months ago? Will it be available again? I have lived the RA adventure for 41 years now (diagnosed at age 17), & have lived thru NUMEROUS medications. Was one of the first RA “test” patients on MTX. Had very positive results on injections for approx. 18 years (intestinal system can’t tolerate oral MTX). Body has reacted to lack of MTX w/ extremely severe crisis flare. Will injectable MTX be available again?
Answer
The shortage of injectable MTX has been terrible for my patients who do not tolerate oral MTX. The explanation is a manufacturing problem that apparently will be solved over the next few months. There was a similar problem with injectable solumedrol (steroid) recently and then of course there is this winter’s flu vaccine shortage. Maybe we need to re-think this free market approach to pharmaceuticals.
