I just took Arava this morning for the first time and....
THE SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEGUN!!!!
Anyone here have experience with Arava? My side effect was the one my rheumy warned me about -- diarrhea which comes complete with cramps.
Do you know what might help? I took it without food because the website said you could. Are there certain triggers for the stomach problems?
I was so excited to finally start Arava. I'd been on methotrexate for about a year (and previously was on mtx for five years). That makes me nauseated so Arava sounded better. Now I'm not so sure.
I have PA and my other medications are humira (weekly), celebrex and prednisone (10 mg). I do take Aciphex for stomach irritation but its not preventing this problem.
Thanks for any advice you have,
Jennifer
Hi Tangent,
some people find that fruit and leafy greens irritate the stomach while getting used to Arava. For most people the symptoms do improve in a couple of weeks so hand in there and keep your fingers crossed. Do try eating something light when taking it. At least it seemed to help me. I usually ate yogurt or oatmeal. Just something to help coat the stomach a bit. Also make sure you are drinking plenty of water. You don't want to become dehydrated.
That didn't last long for me. I started eating a bran cereal for breakfast (raisen bran) and it took care of the diarhhea. My big side effect was loss of appetite. How nice it was! I also had trouble with my nose running when I ate. I never felt better than when I was on arava, bit it did cause liver damage, so be sure to check your labs carefully.
Kathy
I had the stomach trouble the first day...but luckily it was just a stomach virus! I was so happy when my son got sick too thathe thought I was crazy! LOL I was just so happy that I wouldn't have to discard yet another medicine.What dose are you on tangent? I had the tummy probs both ends on 20mg but when doc reduced it to 10mg I was okay. If it continues call your doc (mine was furious I had waited to call him). Good luck. Hugs and good vibes.I had the trots in the beginning on 10mg and when it was bumped to 20mg. It got better within 10 days both time.
Take a fiber tab - somehow fiber helps an irritated bowel. I always eat something with all my meds unless the directions specifically say NOT to. I think it is easier on my system, slows absorbtion, not such a shock.
Does your doc have you doing 3 days of a big loading dose? If so you might call and ask to switch to the daily pills.