I hope you are doing well. I googled this for you - sorry I can't be more help
Peace to you
Bluedogs2
(also known as Leflunomide)

Arava is indicated in adults for the treatment of active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis arthritis to reduce signs and symptoms, to inhibit structural damage as evidenced by X-ray erosions and joint space narrowing, and to improve physical function. more at Wikipedia

I've been on it a year now. The side effects I have are more frequent bowel movements and occasional diarreah. It hasn't been a problem though but when you gotta go, you gotta go now. There's no postponing it. Hope that wasn't too much info!

Oh and I almost forgot, I had hair loss in the beginning. But it went away after a few months and hasn't returned.

I was on Arava for two years and then between the Arava and Plaquenil, it seemed as if the Arava stopped working. It did me well but the Rheumatologist felt that the Arava stopped working and felt that the MTX and Rituxan was the best mix together than Arava and the biologic that I am curently.

Oh I forgot something else! (Maybe I should add forgetfulness to the list, lol). Weight loss! I've lost over 10 lbs since I've been on it! Yay! I love that side effect.

Hi RC,
I just started Arava as well,although I am using it instead of MTX, not in addition. My current mix is Plaquenil, Arava and Orencia. I have had a lot of nausea since adding the Arava about two weeks ago. I'm also exhausted, although it's hard to pin that on the Arava. I certainly can see that I might be losing some weight if my side effects keep up- in addition to the nausea I am just feeling full quickly. I could definitely stand to lose a few pounds, so that would be just fine. Good luck to you!
Caren

I've been on it since February. Had some diarrhea at first - but that stopped after a couple of weeks. I have heard that many have great success with it, but personally I have no relief from my physical pains, so I'm researching biologics.

Good luck and I hope it works as well for you as it has for many others!

Andromeda! I've been on it for about 3 months now . . .
I never attributed it to having more bowel movements, but I have been having more. And occasional diarrhea (hard to tell if it is the cause, since I don't have a gall bladder!)
I haven't noticed much improvement on it, but it works for others.

Thanks for all the replies! I hope I don't have bowel issues but I wouldn't mind losing some weight! That would be a side effect I would enjoy! hahaha

I'm hoping that this is the "cocktail" of meds that will work for me. If not...then on to biologics. Rheumy is giving this combination 3 months and I'll continue with lab work every two weeks.

I had a dream a couple of weeks ago that vampires were chasing me and the KNEW my name! It was creepy...then I realized I'm probably viewing all my blood draws in the wrong way! LOL

Vampires !!!! Yikes ,,, EAT GARLIC

Bluedogs2

I started it two weeks ago and stopped MTX. I am also taking prednisone, Plaquenil , sulfalasine , folic acid. Not sure yet but it is very expensive, $1488.00 per month. Don't know what I'll do when stop working.
Good luck and keep us updated. Hugs

To Caren28, I was also on your same combo of Arava, Plaquenil and Orencia and that mix did well with me until the Orencia stopped working with me and medications got changed around.
To Sharonoouch: Is that the cost of Arava 30 pills? 1488.00 a month? I did not know that is how much that medication cost. Very very expensive. Geez....

Almost $1500/mo??? Wow. I had no idea what a good thing my insurance is. I get it for $26/mo. It has worked well for me and I can't imagine giving it up, but $1500/mo?? It is so unfair to people that the people with good jobs have good insurance. I hope that there is a way for you to find a program or discount or something. I also hope that it brings you some relief.

I was so horrified by the price that you are paying that I Googled the Arava price. I don't know what strength you are on but you may be find a better price here. I hope so:

http://www.pharmacychecker.com/online-pharmacy-arava-prices-cost/18442/

I think the cost difference is name brand (Arava) vs generic (Leflunomide). My rheumy is okay with generic so that's what we're trying first.