Stunned to see the cost of Arava - especially since I got it for just a few dollars as we have state medical here. And I have a batch of still in date arava sitting on shelf even though I came off it ages ago!!

It suits some people but not all. I had elevated liver enzymes after a couple of months and terrible bladder type issues and feeling of "bearing down" similar to giving birth. Was taken off it. (This response has a fancy medical name in my patient notes but cant remember it).

You might also want to google " Arava petition" - I dont have the link at my fingertips. Not to be alarmist, just to be informed.

Like all our meds not all drugs suit everyone and some do a brilliant job for some and not others.

I was on Arava for four years instead of MTX. I had no noticeable side effects other than maybe slight hair thinning. Takes at least 3 months to reach full effect - very subtle slow improvement.

After a while however it wasn't enough to keep me under control and may have contributed to my Enbrel failing (developed antibodies).

They use either MTX or Arava to generally suppress your immune system to make the biologic more effective and to hopefully prevent your body from getting wise and making antibodies to the biologic..

Not sure about using both.... double whammy. Make sure you get regular blood work - could be hard on the liver/kidneys.

I'm now on inject able MTX (oral gave me bad side effects) and Orencia - still waiting to see if it gonna work well enough.

I have been taking Arava for about a month, and have noticed improvement. I was taken off of MTX due to liver numbers. I was very unhappy when My dose was lowered, then taken off completely. I was very close to being in remission, taking eight MTX pills a week, Humira and a anti- depression pills (please don't ask me to spell it) for burning feet. I would like to go back to that cocktail, but I have improvement with Arava, though I am on a low dose, hopefully my dose can be increased. Side effects aren't much, benefits out way any downside!
I hope it works as well for you too, just give it a little more time.

If you can take the Generic, try a Costco or Sam's Club.
I got 90 pills, with no insurance, for under $60.00.
Costco was the only reason I was able to stay on my meds for the 8 month I didn't have insurance.
I started Enbrel in February an my Rheumie kept me on the Arava also.
I still have my days, but I can tell that the combination has helped.
Kim