ARAVA? | Arthritis Information

 

Is anyone familiar with this drug?  I welcome any thoughts/comments.  I was diagnosed officially today.  I can't take MTX or Sulfa because I have low platelets.  I hope it works fast without any side effects.  ThanxMy RD gave me some info on it. He said that it is fairly new and can be used as an alternative for MTX. I have been having some side effects from the MTX and I think the arava is supposed to have fewer side effects. Is that the only thing you have been perscribed?Yep.  It's the only thing for now.  Motrin is something i take when absolutely needed.

Can you take prenisone? I think that is the only thing that works right away.

Been there, done that.  I finished a prednisone pack last week.  Rheume won't give me anymore.

Hi,

I'm on all the meds listed below,and was also put on Arava, (known also as Leflunamide,) with the proviso that I kept my Blood Pressure monitored as it runs high anyway.  Well, after only 4 weeks it went sky-high and I've now been taken off it.  I know others have had success, but I just wanted to make you aware that your BP should be monitored.

Good luck  

Best to just try and make sure you keep everything monitored, (all good Rheumy's do that anyway.)

 All of us are so different and we all have different levels of tolerance with all these drugs we take.  Don't know that this helps, but good luck anyway.

Dawn

 

  I am on Arava too.  Was put on it after Enbrel did not work well for me.   Since I have only been on it for 3 months, I can't say how well it is working for me but I can tell you, one of my doctors wants me off of it.  He said some people do well and when they do, it is a fantastic drug for them but he has found that there are more people who can't tolerate most of the side effects that can take place while on it.  That is what is happening to me right now.  The drug itself is much better than the Enbrel was, in keeping the joint pain to a minimum.  I think it is helping but the side effects are to much for me to handle.  I wish you well with this drug and pray you are like Paul 52 and it does a great job for you.
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