West Chester, OH
A 46-year-old female asked:

Why do i need to stop methotrexate & arava (leflunomide) before alif surgery? i can't take it for 2 months after, why?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tracy Lovell
Internal Medicine - rheumatology 23 years experience
See below: You must stop before surgery and you can resume it until you are cleared the surgeon performing surgery because it can put you at increased risk for post-surgerical infections.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ronald Krauser
A Verified Doctoranswered
Rheumatology 54 years experience
See details: Two months is an unusually long period to hold Methotrexate after surgery. Three weeks is more the usual but it is ultimately up to your surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Dec 31, 2022

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.