I've been on it since October, originally 10mg and upped to 20 mg beginning of February, in addition to 15 mg of Methotrexate. I haven't noticed any blood pressure issues, but have noticed an increase in anxiety attacks at first, which seem to have calmed down somewhat. I've also been sick since just after Christmas with one chest cold after another, and have had issues catching my breath. The rheumy said he's never heard of those side effects, but I don't trust him, as he brushes off every side effect. Waiting for a second opinion on that. Overall I like the Arava better than the MTX, as I'm down flat for 2 days after each injection. Check with your rheumy to see what they say. Good luck, sending strength!

Took Leflunomide, 20 mg, for a year and a half to 2 years, with no side effects. No blood pressure problems. Did suffer from colitis from the drug in December of 2012. A rare side effect. I have heard of several cases since my own. Not enough cases to be listed as a side effect evidently.
Something to watch for. And I have heard the first incident of colitis is a cake walk compared to the next. Won't be a problem for me as I stopped the drug. My G.I. mentioned a patient whose second occurrence required surgery to repair and treat.

Didnt suit me at all and had to come off it. works for some and not others but take care and check it out on the internet.

I' ve been on it since July 2009, I have some stomach issues with it but I take it at night so in the morning if it's a little upset, not a big deal (much better than when I was taking it in the morning and I'd get an upset stomach in the middle of my work day). I take 20 mg a day.

I have been on Leflumonide, 20 mg for about three weeks. Woke up yesterday feeling awful, sick to my stomach and very dizzy. Later in the day noticed that I had broken out in an itchy red rash all over. Called the rhuemy and they said to stop the meds. I was just starting to think it was helping too, sigh..... Everyone is different though, hopefully you will do well with no side effects. Good luck and let us know how you do.

thank you guys for your responses. i really appreciate it!

I have been on Arava 20 mg for about a year. I take it at night, doc said it doesn't matter when you take it, but like tortoislvr, I prefer night. I only have a couple bad stomach days a month, so I can live with that.
Doc just added Enbrel a month ago to the combo.
I saw improvement with the Arava.
I hope it works for you.
Kim

Developed blood pressure problems - spiked to 210/120 - so came off it in a hurry. Also caused odema in leg. Once I wasn't taking it, my BP came down again to normal range.
I have had severe reactions to all the oral meds except for Methotrexate, also to Enbrel which caused drug-induced Lupus. Now on Orencia.
Hugs

thanks... doctor also wanting to start me on orencia this month. i'll be taking the weekly injections from home. a little nervous but what do you do??? :)

wishing you guys all the best!

jc

I was on MTX and it went in backorder so i they put me on leflunomide. I took it for more than a month and suddenly my hair started to fall more than usual, now im kinda bold... the doctor told me to stop it and put me in plaquenil 200mg twice a day.. my hair still falling..