Skin sensitivity to the sun when taking methotrexate

[PMRrunner]

I've just had a message from my GP practice reminding me that certain drugs including methotrexate and leflunomide make your skin more susceptible to damage from the sun.arthritis.org/drug-guide/me...

[Oxfordboy2]

I do wish I had been alerted to the possibility of sun damage.Summer 2022 I had no problems being out in the sun.Fast forward to summer 2023,September to be exact whilst on holiday had what I thought was sunburn on tops of both feet.This happened as I was walking along the coastline.One foot has healed ok but the other is still tender,maybe nerve endings damaged.I am on 15mg MTX and nothing else.Thanks for making me aware,I shall be more careful next year.I wonder if anyone knows if this will not be a problem if lucky enough to get off MTX completely.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Oxfordboy2]

See this from FAQs -

nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexa...

[Oxfordboy2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset Lady.In all my research I had never come across this before.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Oxfordboy2]

Always worth looking in the FAQs….😊

[SheffieldJane]

I think Pred also has this, so a double whammy. Fully creamed and hatted I have achieved a red stripe under each eye. Keep out of the mid day sun. ☀️

[PMRrunner in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes I think so too though the only person who has ever warned me was a lady I was introduced to when I was first diagnosed and put on pred. She'd had PMR for a number of years and her advice was invaluable.

[WaltzG]

Explains a lot ....have had stripes over nose and across back of neck. Even tho avoid sun when possible anyway due to side effects of other medication. Also struggling with loss of appetite!!

[PMRCanada]

When I was first prescribed MTX I noted on the box four warnings, one of which said “avoid exposure to UV rays, Protect yourself from the sun.” I was also told to avoid alcohol. Not great if you’re going on holiday to a sunny destination (which I am in Feb).

I also developed Polymorphous Light Interruption while on vacation in Mexico 3 years before my PMR diagnosis. As someone who has always enjoyed time in the sun I was disheartened to have the condition and be on MTX.

This past spring was the first time I had an episode of PLI here in Canada, but at least it only happened during my first exposure of the year. So it’s sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat for me, especially when on holiday and at home as I gradually acculturate to the summer season.

I’m wondering if I should hold my MTX for the week I’m on holiday, or if doing so won’t make much difference as it stays in my system for some time after stopping it. Perhaps a question for my rheumy.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRCanada]

Or simply worth a try ...

[krillemy]

I noticed I tanned easily here in August when starting Mtx - looked rather nice. I am now prepared for the holiday in May in Greece... Higher sunscreen I