Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi, Tricia. I do have experience with this drug, but very limited. I took it for about 6 weeks, in late 2008, but discontinued it when I had issues with another drug, Remicade, and it was thought that Arava might also be involved.

In the brief time I used it, I had a rash and diarrhea, and also had some headaches which may or may not be attributed to the Arava. Since the drug comes with warnings about possible cytopenia and leukopenia, and I was experiencing pancytopenia, which was ultimately traced to drug induced bone marrow suppression, my doctor had me drop both drugs. I later restarted the Remicade again, with the same reaction, but never restarted Arava.

Here's a link that mught be helpful...

http://www.rxlist.com/arava-drug.htm

Best wishes,
Doug

Hi Tricia,

I am close to completing my third month of Arava. I take 20mg a day. I do not take Methrotrexate (my body couldn't handle that drug.)

So far I do not have any side-effects. I noticed some improvement but have had a big set-back this past week. Prednisone didn't help at all during these past days, so there is a * suspicion* of liver overwork or damage - which if this is the case it would definitely be attributed to the Arava. But we don't know yet.

Otherwise I'd say it's worked better for me that MTX. Let's just hope the liver thing is a false alarm.

I'b been on the generic Leflunomide since March 2008. No noticeable side effects and blood work still all OK. I've developed chronic anemia but that could be atributed to just the RA alone or any one of the other durgs I'm on. Rhuemy's not worried about it and I get blood tests every 1 to 2 months.
Only one problem... it doesn't really seem to do anything. It may have some effect but so slow you can't put a finger on it. My pain has improved over the last six months but I don't think I can give the drug any credit. Still taking it because my rheumy wants me to.

I have been on Arava for 3 months, in addition to MTX and plaquenil. I'm not sure how much it helps. In the beginning, it gave me nausea and diarrhea, but after a couple of weeks that settled down.

I have been taking Arava for the past 3 years if not more.I swear by it. If I miss a dose or two the stiffness really starts to set in. I am not one for having side effects with most meds so I have not noticed any side effects.