Recently started on methotrexate again and was surprised to read all the warnings in tge literature pack about light sensitivity and resulting cancers.
I already have actinic keratosis and what look BCC developing on my nose and forehead.
ascopost.com/news/february-...
if you have any sort of lesions on your skin you should see your doctor…visually BCC’s vary greatly & usually need a specialist to diagnose.
However the dose of Methotrexate prescribed for people with RA is far lower than that given to people diagnosed with cancer…but the advice to take care in the sun should still be observed.
I have just been out on Abacept and nurse gave me signs of skin cancer leaflet due to light sensitivity etc with “possible” reactions to medication. Already had one skin cancer issue 2 years ago a cream was used and all sorted. Life and the sun is the main cause but they have to tell us so we check.
It's also on LEF. and AZA and Benapli too so probably all of them. I'm fair skinned so have always used high factor products or stayed out of the sun so it's not bothered me. I'm the pale but hopefully interesting lady not the healthy looking tanned one. But my mum used to tell me only common people had tans as they worked outside. lol
I'd just say get yours treated and use a good protection I like Clinique Safe Sun for the face and then just keep an eye out. Mind you the sun is known to cause skin aging now so it's good for us to protect our skin anyway. xx
I’m the dark & swarthy one with skin that in my youth tanned overnight..& sure enough I was the one who got not only skin cancer, but breast cancer too.
But I’m still here to tell the tale,& as I’ve said before I would through them all again If I could miss out on RA.
At least cancer has a cure!
I got lung cancer in 2023 . Was on hyrimoz and methotrexate. Came off both straight away unable to back on biologic . But been back on methotrexate since spring both my oncologist and rheumatologist have told me there is no risk and my oncologist is skin cancer dr as well . I was scared to go back on to medication . .
That's interesting - the skin cancer warning on the leaflet.
I've had actinic keratosis on face and Bowen's Disease on upper arm in recent years - biopsies taken and Efudix and cryotherapy used to treat.
I was a child in the 1960's/70's when parents did not buy sunscreen and, my father died from skin cancer on his face/neck.
I developed BCC on my leg which was cut out. They decided it was caused by Humira & so it was stopped. I don’t know how they can decide if it’s been caused by meds or just sunbathing 🤷🏻♀️. It’s all scary.
Our bodies are highly complex, as everyone with autoimmune disorders are aware. From birth to death, the autoimmune system is hunting out "bad characters" in our bodies. They range from bacteria to viruses to less than perfect cells. The latter is a precursor to cancer. When we take immunosuppressive medication, we are highly limiting, even curtailing, our system's ability to "attack and eliminate" these undesirable elements. Therefore, it's always necessary to be extra vigilant to a variety of exposures and be more responsive to changes in our bodies - from the sniffles to a funny looking spot.
Methotrexate.
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