Life of Arava | Arthritis Information
Does anyone know how long it takes for Arava to be basically out of your system? I've read that the "half life" of Arava is two weeks. Does anyone know exactly what this means? Thanks!
The better part of the meds should be out of your system in about two weeks. I had a bad reaction and did not notice any problems after a few weeks. Of course I had only taken two pills before I had an allergic reaction so not alot to clear my system.
Some small traces actually stay in your system for along time. If you have trouble after a few weeks they can give you charcol to get it out of your body. I did not have to go that route. For me it was just as the doctor told me and I was fine after a couple of weeks on pred and benadryl. I had seen a few post where others did use the charcol. Sort of a wait and see game I guess.
I hope you feel better soon.
Depending on how long you took the drug, various medical web sites say it could take up to 2 years for your body to completely eliminate it.The fact that it could stay in my system for two years almost prevented me from trying it. I have so many allergic reactions.
Like I said if they feel the need they can get it to clear with charcol. It is only trace amounts that stay in your system that long. The majority is cleared by two weeks.
Thank you for your replies! I took Arava for about six months (10 mg). I quit during that time for two weeks, then started back to every other day, then back to once a day. I just can't seem to stay on either Methotrexate or Arava.....both just seem to have too many side effects, when compared to the benefits receivedl
I didn't have an allergic reaction and was never told to stop Arava, but after seeing my nurse practioner about 3 weeks ago (with complaints) , she said I could trying going to every other day and add 2 mg prednisone; then after a month, try dropping the Arava. It's been about three weeks and I have only taken 10 mg of Arava three different times and decided to stop it. The main reason being, that I feel like I have chest congestion (never had before), and some hair thinning plus the constant worry about possible liver problems. Also hate the fact that I have to feel guilty every time I have a drink. Just don't feel like the risk is worth the benefits at my age (66). I KNOW the prednisone helps me and feel (at least at this time) any side effects would be worth it. My nurse practioner also said that under 5 mg has proven to be fairly safe and that some recent studies have said that small amounts of prednisone can have similar benefits as some DMARDS. THANKS FOR LISTENING! I hope this information isn't confusing for anyone and that it may be helpful to others, As we all know WE ALL REACT DIFFERENTLY TO DIFFERENT MEDICINES. Here's wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year!!
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