By Dr Irwin Lim, Rheumatologist
Today, my patient with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis asked me whether she could stop Methotrexate. Her disease is well controlled and she is on another disease modifying agent concurrently.
The reason?
She wants to have laser hair removal on her legs. But the cosmetic salon she visited refused because she is on Methotrexate.
She asked my opinion. My considered opinion was that I didn't know.
I can't imagine there's any research on this matter. I'm sure no-one is designing a trial to laser a bunch of females on Methotrexate to see what happens.
I assume the worry for the laser practitioners is the possible photosensitivity while on Methotrexate. Many other medications may cause photosensitivity so I assume patients on those medications must be similarly rejected. Rather than take any risk, I think a blanket rule is being applied.
In her case, I was happy to trial a reduction in Methotrexate and if the disease remains well controlled, we will try to cease the medication. But I might not be so keen to cease Methotrexate in other patient scenarios.
So, I thought I'd ask.
Have any of you had laser hair removal while on Methotrexate? How did it turn out?
Are any of you aware of any information that will educate me on this?
Dr Irwin Lim is a rheumatologist and a director of BJC Health. You should follow him on twitter here.This blog focuses on arthritis, healthcare in general, and Connected Care.
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