Just started yesterday. It made me a little sick to my stomach and I had a low grade headache. I've heard it take about 4 weeks to feel the results. Will keep you updated.

I have taken arava for about 4 years i had the same reaction as firenrain but they only lasted a few days. I dont notice much difference taking it but the doctor says it is helping from blood levels etc..

Arava made a wonderful chg in my condition.I had been on Remicade and Methx. for bout 1 yr,my symptoms kept getting worse. On the day that I took my Methx I would be very sick to my stomach,low grade fever,and so tired that I could not hold my head up. By the time I switched to Arava I was using my wheelchair when I left my home and a walker in the house. After 3monthes on Arava(and Remicade)and No more nausea,more stanima, and walking completely on my own. I know that what works well for some does'nt always work for another--but for me Arava made a huge improvment in my condition.

OH NO NOT ARAVA!!!
I been on that FIRST with MTX. (Methrotrexate) and talk about "DEATH BED" SICKNISS I COULD NOT keep ANYTHING DOWN for the longest time!
My Rhoumotologist told me "IT WILL EASE UP" I thought "WHEN-WHEN I AM 6 feet under the ground"!??
Oh my experince was HORRID!!!
I got off it for the MTX and Arava comanation was bringing my liver function test UP TO HIGH and CHANGE WAS ORDERED...that was when "HUMARIA" entered my life and I NEVER been the same since!
FOR THE BETTER THAT IS!!!

Wow, seems like I might ask my doctor about this, he keeps suggesting I change to the IV form of Remicade/Mexatrexate or some other chemo type medication, I cant recall the name. anyways, this might be a better way to help me without having to do the IV, I will try anything to make my pain less, and I am very much a trooper when it comes to new medications. I have been on Humeria not for a year and a half and honestly at first after about 4-5 treatments it helped, but my numbers are climbing so high that is basically scaring my Dr. I have a hard time walking now and I have to use my scooter at work, but I HATE TO. makes me feel defeatd. I am going to ask about this one!

I just started Leflunomide (Arava) two days ago. So far, so good. No nausea or anything. It just makes me SO sleepy. My dr. told me that the first three days of taking this med, I have to take 100mg a day and then I back off to 10 mg a day after that. So I figure if I've been able to tolerate 100mg a day for two days that I'll do fine with 10 mg. a day.

I just started taking Arava 6 days ago. I have not seen any improvement. However, it might take up to 4 weeks for me to see any results. I have not been sick to my stomach or sleepy. But the pain is still very bad. I will keep you posted.

Hi Doug,
I'm new to the group but I have been on Arava for about 6 months at 20mg/dy. My hair started falling out in clumps and that is my last vanity so I am going to try Humira. It's too bad too because it worked fine otherwise.

I developed asthma from taking Arava. It is listed as one of the rarer side effects but it got me. My hair also fell out in clumps. Didn't notice that it made that big of a diiference for me.

I took Methotrexate for almost a year, at increasing dosages, until I maxed out. It did keep my disease in check but not my pain. So I tried Arava....and it did nothing. I didn't have any noticable side effects at all...except I did lose hair, but I did that on methotrexate too. Just finised my fourth Enbrel shot today. Unbelievable relief of pain...within the first week. A few side effects, including some pretty severe fatigue (could still be RA causing this?), a few headaches, heartburn and nausea...only a day or so after the injection. Out of the 4 injections, only had one injection site reaction...just some redness and bruising for a few days. Its just amazing how all of our bodies are so different! I have two friends with RA from my church....both tried Arava with no success. But that doesn't mean it wont work for someone else...so best wishes with anyone who gives it a try!