Medications

daniivca

Hi all I was just wondering if anyone could help me out with a quick question I take hydroxychloroquine and a few weeks ago I came out in a rash after been out in the sun, at the time I thought I had an allergic reaction to my washing powder but after reading around I found it could be a side effect of the meds. Although last week I was out in the sun all day and I didn't realise it would be as sunny as it was so forget to cover up but didn't come out in a rash. I was just wondering if this was a side effect that came and want for want of a better phrase! Thanks in advance

theresak

Hi there,

Hydroxychloroquine makes you very sensitive to the sun - my rheumy nurse told me always to be careful in the sun, use a very high factor cream, and cover up. It can cause a rash, and I believe methotrexate causes similar problems.

daniivca

I was never told that, I just thought it was strange that it affected me one week but not a few weeks later. I'll bear that in mind now though

stickywicket

As Tezz says, it's probably the hydroxy. Methotrexate certainly can produce a sun rash and I think most of the DMARDS and biologics can. Cover up and slap on the Factor As-Big-As-You-Can.

bubbadog

Hi, I'm on Hydroxychoroquine, I do get a hot, itchy rash now and again and I read that can be a side effect of the medication. I find if I'm concerned about anything I call either my Rheumatology nurse or speak with my G.P on a phone consultation (if your surgery does them) which is the best thing I can advise as you can never be sure. Hope this is useful!

daniivca

Thanks everyone I'm only on the hydroxy so it must have been that unless it was an allergic reaction to my washing powder which I'm now doubting! My mum works for a pharmacy so whenever I picked up my meds I meant to ask but completely forgot to do so! If it comes back and it's worse then I'll get an appointment at my doctors because they do same day consultations but thanks for all your help!

stickywicket

If it's due to photosensitivity there's no need to see a doc – just keep out of the sun.

daniivca

Stupid question but would it itch if it was a rash from the sun?

stickywicket

In my experience, horribly. Mine wasn't from hydroxy or meth but a – now discontinued – NSAID. I remained very photo-sensitive for a long time after I came off the med. I also had a rash when on gold injections.