User Reviews for Arava oral

I was diagnosed with RA, I'm 46 years old, male, hispanic My mother has severe RA since her mids 30. I used Arava for 3 months and the swelling of my hands and elbows stopped completely.

In Nov.2003 after Hepatitis C and Polio vaccinations on the same day I got a horrendous allergic reaction. After this event my RA began very aggressively. Rh factor 100. Took Vioxx, Methotrexate, Plaquinil, Prednisone. Was still in constant pain with huge painful flare ups in all my joints in the body. Sometimes I could not get out of bed and needed help to dress etc. Life wasn't worth living anymore, I thought. Then, in April 2006, I began taking 20mg Arava daily plus continued taking 5 mg Prednisone and after less than two weeks I was pain free. It was like a miracle and I had to get used to the new "me." Since then, I have not had any stiffness or flare ups or used my wrist braces a single time. After one year, I began taking 20 mg Arava only every other day and will now try every three days. I am also down to 3 mg Prednisone daily. I hope I will stay this well forever. My liver enzyme values are monitored every three months. I was very scared of taking Arava at first because of the long half-life but I am glad I did since I have had two and a half good years now.Read More Read Less

I have been taking Arava for 3 months. I can't really tell if it is working. I still have to take prednisone and pain meds. I am having difficulty with nausea every day.

This has been the only drug with benefits for me that I have not became allergic to or the side affects far out weighed any benefit.I have been through the full regimen of other drugs in the last 5years and have been on this with success for the last two years.

This drug (the generic-leflunomide) was added a few months ago to hopefully assist my dosage of azathioprine and prednisone to increase muscle strength and slow the progression of polymyositis. I felt more strength for the 1st week, but then the diarrhea started and I no longer felt better or stronger. That side effect gradually went away but shortly after my hair started coming out in clumps and just recently I cut it down very short and keep my head covered because of bald spots. I see my rheumatologist again next week and I hope he'll agree for my illness, this is probably causing more harm than good. Read More Read Less

I have been taking this medication for two years and my results are good. I had a difficult time walking before I started on the med, but now I jog three times a week.

It took awhile for it to work,however when it did I noticed a marked differince in how often I had flares.It did not stop them all together.I still at any given time,have to increase my predisone levels and use pain medications.Overall,however,I know that without it,I would be suffering needlessly.

i have done pretty good with arava; however i am not sure if it is the arava, or the three other meds that are doing the job.

Nothing else has worked for me. The prednisone stopped the pain, but caused numerous other problems. I have been on this for about 2 years with no problems.

I had several flares that just wouldn't go away. the methotrexate and plaquenil just were'nt enough, but the arava seemed to do the trick. I haven't felt this good in a long time.

I've been on it for a couple of years. I'm still not sold on that it works. I do know the side affects from coming off it is a killer.

I have been on this treatment for about 3 months now. I vomit almost everyday, and have constent heartburn and chestpain.

It caused elevated liver enzymes, with most of the symptoms that accompany elevated enzymes. Only on it for about a month before developing problems. No real relief from pain during this brief time.

sister is experiencing side effect of anorexia.

worked early after about a week but then ceased to have affect about week three. side effects were horrible, sore throat constantly,mouth ulcers four at a time, numbness in hands and arms, abdominal pain, heartburn fatigue breathlessness swelling of hands.