Leflunomide prescribed for Rheumatoid. Side-effects?

Majicat · 05-22-2006, 05:37 PM

Hello,

Does anybody have any personal experience with using this drug when prescribed for rheumatiod arthritis? including side-effects and such as it has been suggested by my Rheumatologist. It is also known by the brand name Arava. I am current taking a prescription of Methatrexate does anybody have any experience of the two drugs in combination?

I have read various material on the drug and am concerned by its possible effects on the stomach as I have a sensitive stomach. Can anybody offer advice in this area.

Thanks,

Majicat

joanie58 · 05-23-2006, 07:51 AM

Hi. My rheumatologist has had me on Arava for about 3 weeks. No noticeable side effects. My stomach hasn't bothered me (but then I don't have a sensitive stomach) and even the possible hair loss he mentioned didn't happen. I'm also on a low dose of prednisone at the same time. My fingers still hurt but not as much and I'm not having the knee pain that I had before taking both. He wants to start me on one of the self injected drugs (Humira or Enbrol). I'm seeing him today and will decide where to go next.

cobra21 · 05-26-2006, 07:41 PM

Re Arava, I took arava for 4weeks and my face came out in a wet weepy rash, it was awful, I was immediately taken off it and was told i had stevens johnson syndrome which can be a side effect of Arava. Luckily the rash went away and hasn't ever came back. I also read a newspaper article about Arava and it wasn't good news.

cobra21 · 05-26-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra21

Re Arava, I took arava for 4weeks and my face came out in a wet weepy rash, it was awful, I was immediately taken off it and was told i had stevens johnson syndrome which can be a side effect of Arava. Luckily the rash went away and hasn't ever came back. I also read a newspaper article about Arava and it wasn't good news.

rennah77 · 05-30-2006, 11:59 AM

I have been on Arava along with Methotrexate now for about 6 months. Not sure if the combination is what has helped or one or the other, but I have definitely improved. I have had no side effects whatsoever from the Arava.
I do have some nausea and tiredness from the Methotrexate for a couple of days after I take it, but not enough to consider stopping it. I have just started the Humira self injectible and hope to get even better results. If the Humira is successfull, my doctor would like to try and wean me off of the Methotrexate and see if the Humira will take over on its own.