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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by greenwillow on October 24, 2004, at 13:50:43
I am on Methotrexate 15 mg. once weekly long term for RA and recently began using a light therapy box to help delayed sleep syndrome. This morning I noticed my MTX bottle has a warning: "You should avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to direct and/or artificial sunlight while taking this medication." I am hoping someone can tell me what gives with this combination. Does light box therapy constitute artificial sunlight since supposedly the UV waves have been blocked?
Posted by jboud24 on October 24, 2004, at 15:37:07
In reply to Methotrexate and light therapy box, posted by greenwillow on October 24, 2004, at 13:50:43
Very seriously doubt that the light-box will produce UV radiation to a significant extent. Just avoid the sunlight, you'll be fine.
Justin
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 25, 2004, at 0:17:06
In reply to Methotrexate and light therapy box, posted by greenwillow on October 24, 2004, at 13:51:52
> I am on Methotrexate 15 mg. once weekly long term for RA and recently began using a light therapy box to help delayed sleep syndrome. This morning I noticed my MTX bottle has a warning: "You should avoid prolonged or excessive exposure to direct and/or artificial sunlight while taking this medication." I am hoping someone can tell me what gives with this combination. Does light box therapy constitute artificial sunlight since supposedly the UV waves have been blocked?
A properly designed light box will indeed have UV protection. Interestingly enough, I've seen credible medical references which are quite contradictory. One says methotrexate may be combined with UV light therapy to treat psoriasis. Another says that UV light shoud be avoided while on methotrexate. In any case, it appears that the guilty light form is UV-A, not UV-B. If you can't get a sunburn from the light, it's not a risk issue, as far as I can tell.
Lar
Posted by h on October 26, 2004, at 15:14:35
In reply to Methotrexate and light therapy box, posted by greenwillow on October 24, 2004, at 13:50:43
I was on Methotrexate in the dose used as chemotherapy for cancer patients.
Like any chemo agent it makes you more sensitive to UV rays. I think that's why the warning.
best,
h
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