Arava.. has anyone heard of it?

[Lady Olivia]

Hello,

My rheumy has just taken me of methx and is starting me on Arava? It sounds just as bad as Methx and I am not sure what to do. Is anyone out there on Arava?
Would love the feedback.
Cheers
Olivia

[rennah77]

I have been on Arava about 1 month now. Can't really tell if it is helping. Probably have not been on it long enough. No side effects so far. I am still on Methotrexate, but I think my doc is going to wean me down off of it, so I will just be on the Arava. I put a post out when I first started on Arava but did not find anyone to have been on it or hear of it. Maybe it is a new med???? Good luck with it, hope it helps.

[seabyrd]

Arava has been around for about the past 7 years or so. I have been on it since Oct. 31 (along with Mobic and Plaquenil) and have gotten good results. It is less toxic than methoxatrate, although you have to have periodic blood tests to check for liver problems. So far, I have had no side effects and the pain has subsided - still have slight inflammation in a few fingers, but I am much improved since I started these medications. Dont be afraid to try it. If you type ARAVA into your browser, several sites will come up and you can research it. The more you can find out about all these medications, the better you will understand what can be helpful to you. Good luck!

[CTuit]

I've been on arava a couple of times but can never seem to stay on it for more than a few months. It tends to make my white blood cell count drop too low. You do usually have to do bloodwork once a month.

[Lady Olivia]

Thank you everyone for your replies.
Having this condition is scary enough but with all the medications out there they can be just as scary. I kept falling asleep at work with the methx and the chronic stomach pain at least i lost weight!!! Sore throats and rash I just couldnt take it anymore. Arava sounds alot more gentler but it is for RA and i dont have that so i guess it is trial and error for me. It is really reassuring to talk to people that have gone through and are going through the same thing. I havent started it yet giving my body a couple of weeks to get over the methx.
Thank you all so very much Lets wish for xmas they find us a cure
Merry Christmas
Olivia