Hi, I have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and have just started on methotrexate. The packet says protect yourself from sunshine - just wondering if anyone has experience of effects of sun when you are on methotrexate? I understand that if it works then I could be on it for years and years, and we live in New Zealand where the sun is extremely burning anyway because of the southern hemisphere ozone hole (this is a real scientific thing in case it sounds strange to you). We are a family of surfers (ha ha not me any more :-( ) and outdoor people so I'm really keen to hear from anyone who knows about this from their personal experience. Thank you.
I'm on MIT too. How many mg are you taking ? I do read about the side effects abd we should avoid the sun. I do not want to take risk and will try to avoid the sun as much as I could . I'm also in a hot country so it's hard that we can totally avoid it. However, we should try to take care as having this sickness is bad enough .,,,,
Oh dear. I've been on MTX since January and I spend as much tine as possible outside. I use 80 SPF sunblock. So far I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary.
HI Sonya,
what a beautiful country New Zealand. I always wanted to see your country but traveling is out of the question for me now.
MTX has it been helping your RA?
also about your question and sun exposure while on MTX. I would try and find the highest number of sunscreen when out side.
I take a bio drug for my RA which I have been on for 6 months it has helped slow down the progression of RA. Helped with pain and can do more things.
We have high sun exposure in the northern hemisphere in summer where I live in the US.
I stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and do what I need during the early am and evening and wear #35 sunscreen hat long sleeves & light weight clothing .
Cheers to good weather in your neck of the woods.
Hi sonys78375
I didn't realise that was a side effect, so another one to ruin my coming up holiday to Cyprus lol so that's hardly any drink plus sitting in the shade. Can't believe the possible side effects with methotrexate it's such a list isn't it, I gave just took two lots now and go to the hospital tomorrow for blood texts and check ups to make sure it's not effecting me too much I guess, I have felt sick and very tired on it over the past few days, how have you been feeling?
I'm in OZ and on MTX as well, yes, you will burn easier. I have a bald pate and burn very easily now so always wear a hat. Was a surfer in my younger days, wouldn't think of it now!
I'm in the uk and had about 5 days of warm decent days so far this summer and apparently the longest day yesterday so it's not going to effect me unless I go on holiday lol
I have had RA for 11 years now and been on MTX for most of that time.
I spend much of my time in a tropical climate but stay out of the sun as much as possible. I don't wear sunscreen though, even though I am fair skinned.
As I cycle a bit I notice my arms, which are the most exposed, get fairly tanned during the sunny periods, but I don't test it for long enough to have noticed any particular problems.
I never knew that about MTX and am curious to know what they expect over-exposure to sun while on it can cause? What are the supposed side-effects?
At best, sunburn. At worst, cancer
They say much easier to burn, or also you can get a rash, like a (allergic) reaction to the sun? I am glad to hear that you cycle and that you are on and off the MTX, do you get better for periods of time? How active can you be nowadays compared to before RA? I'm only swimming right now but hope the MTX will do more than steroids and NSAIDs. I suppose if you tan easier then you are protected more. Would vary person to person and skin type.
Yeah thank you Tony. I'd come around to that. So many changes to get used to. Do you mean your RA would stop you surfing? or just not keen? Is the MTX working well for you?
Aw, Cyprus will be great because you can lol. :-)You sound like right about my stage of meds. One week ahead. I've not really been too bad on the MTX, but only one dose and doubles in four weeks so won't speak too soon. Actually pain has been worse for a few days but that can't be related. I've been told that there's a 60% chance it will work for me (for any individual) and if it does then that won't be til 8-12 weeks after starting. Is that what you've been told too? Sorry to hear you've had a rough few days. Maybe your body will adjust over time?
Thanks, yes. I have only just started MTX so no idea if it will work. All that sun advice is do-able of course. Does the bio drug mean you need to be careful of sun too?
Good to hear! Maybe everyone's different. Apparently some people react with a bad red rash and/or quickly burn.
I have only just started but will be on 20mg soon. Maybe more in the end? How about you? It is just a bit sad making all these changes isn't it. But we are lucky to have something to help.
No burning and no rash. I really don't think I'm in the sun for long enough for it to affect me.
As for cycling.... I actually find it easier to cycle than to walk when I'm having a flare. The knees can't take the weight-bearing exercise. But that's the beauty of the bicycle, It carries your weight for you. You just need to pedal.
Swimming is great too, for the same reason.
I'm not off MTX. I still take 10mg a week.
Hi Sonja,
reply to your questions.
[Sun Exposure and RA]
Drugs that treat RA may cause you to be sensitive to the sun and may cause bad sunburns or rashes so always be keen on any sun exposure.
Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) make you sun sensitive. Naproxen makes you more sun sensitive than ibuprofen. Celecoxib can cause rashes.
Methotrexate does not cause sunburn. It irritates areas where you have had sunburns in the past, so it's generally a precautionary advisory.
More research is needed on biologic agents to determine their effect on sun sensitivity. They are so new to the market. I have olive complexion and I still burn and wear sun screen.
Some sunscreens are more effective than others. Look for ones with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. My doc said they are more effective.
Prevention is key. Slop on some sunscreen 30 Sp at the very least, slap on a hat, slip on a long sleeved shirt, seek some shade.
I'm not one that has ever been able to sit still on the beach long enough for a tan. I'd rather be fishing on a boat. Now there's even more danger due to double exposure from sunshine and reflection from water. I have have a serious burn when young, so sick from water reflection and sun exposure. Definately learned the hard way.
Hi
i ve taken mxt for 2 years
i m in the uk so not loads of sun but I have noticed greater likelihood to get red face in the sun than previously, so put on high factor sun cream and do wear a hat.
Is MYX the only medication that you are on?
Giving up surfing was nothing to do with MTX actually, I hadn't surfed for years, life just got in the way, but when I retired I bought a board and on my first outing realised I could get in trouble here: being a diabetic now I thought if I have a hypo out here in the water, I'm done for so I sold the board. Just as well I suppose: a sunburnt head really hurts - takes about 5 minutes now!
MTX has done absolutely nothing for me, I certainly hope you get better results than me. Since starting around 8-9 months ago the RA has spread like wildfire: finger, thumb, wrists, forearms, elbows, neck middle back and now shoulders and lung nodules.