Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

2,179 Members
16,355 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

drug lefludamine

catful
catful
Is anyone taking this drug? I have just been put on this along with prednisone and hydroxychlor...
am concerned with the side effects and the fact is takes 2 years to get out of your system....wondering if anyone has tried an alternative or other treatment instead?
thank you.
davidrn
davidrn
I took Methotrexate and Arava (Lefludamine) for about 7 years, with occasional usage of Prednisone. About 15 months ago, had an RA flare that went on for over a few months, and Prednisone did nothing for it, so, started on Embrel and low dose Methotrexate.
So Arava worked great for some time for me, but there are a few issues. You already know about the > 1 year to clear, The big issue is no getting pregnant, or in my case my wife. Also, no alcohol at all. I decided after the year off, that I can now have sips of my wifes glass finally.
Never had any side effects.
I am suprised you aren't on Methotrexate at the same time, its pretty standard dosing by most Rheum's
Don't know if there is anything else I can add, but, ask if you have other questions. Good luck Catful.
Christine26
Christine26
I was on Arava for many years and last year came off because stiffness began to set in and I was put on Rituxan. Apparently with Rituxan, the combination works well to be on Methotrexate. So I am off Arava and back on MTX. I have also been back and forth on Prednisone as needed and I have been on Plaquenil (hydroclor.. ) for years. I have frequent eye exams due to Plaquenil and because my mom has a history of pre-glaucoma with high pressures. So my eye doctor is very cautious with me. I do wear glasses and I have a slight prescription for distance, and transitional for reading and computer. There are some days that even with the glasses I still can't see clearly at moments. I don't really worry about the side effects of these medications because I know that I need them.

As far as alternative treatments, I was seeing a nutritionist doctor and she had me on vitamins and a gluten free diet. I would say it helped a bit. To me gluten free is best for me. It helped a great deal with decreasing the asthma attacks I had recently begun to have and lowering my B/P to the point of decreasing the B/P medication I was on. I also lost 30 pounds in about 4 months not that I needed to loose weight, but did. Less weight is always better to carry around especially when you are dealing with joint issues. I also try to relax my mind and remain stress free. Hope that helps you a bit. P;ease keep us posted.