Reviewer: CTM, 55-64 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
I have been suffering with RA for 6 years and have tried almost every medication possible. Currently on Plaquenil, Prednisone and started Arava 4 months ago. Although I have noticed a significant improvement in energy level and my constant pain is now not a "10" but usually "6-8" I have side effects that I am finding more uncomfortable than the improvement in the RA. I have g ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I have been suffering with RA for 6 years and have tried almost every medication possible. Currently on Plaquenil, Prednisone and started Arava 4 months ago. Although I have noticed a significant improvement in energy level and my constant pain is now not a "10" but usually "6-8" I have side effects that I am finding more uncomfortable than the improvement in the RA. I have gained about 25-30 pounds since starting and have a very noticable increase of belly fat. Most troubling is a CONSTANT feeling of abdominal muscle tensing/cramping. It is not painful but it feels like I am constantly "bearing down". I also feel like someone has "sprayed freon under my skin around my abdomnen and back. I also have a constant "burning" on the center of my tongue as if the tongue was scalded by hot liquid. Lastly I have much more energy but feel very "jumpy". I also can feel an acute increase of all these symptoms "in waves" throughout the day. I stopped taking the 20mg for a week and then decreased to 10mg with the addition of Ativan 1mg 2xday and drinking Quinine Water to help the cramping. Nothing has subsided. I have reached the point of thinking that it is not worth all this discomfort. I am discouraged and so wanted this to work.
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Reviewer: Tess, 65-74 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Patient)

Comment:
Placed on ARAVA after some success with Prednisone and Methotrexate. Have been on Prednisone in varying doses for 10 years supposedly related to PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica). After a flare-up in my hands it was diagnosed that I now have RA. Started the ARAVA in Oct and got very ill on Jan 2012 with severe nausea and dry heaves with chills. Lost 10 lbs in 3 days and ended up in the hospital for 3 d ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
Placed on ARAVA after some success with Prednisone and Methotrexate. Have been on Prednisone in varying doses for 10 years supposedly related to PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica). After a flare-up in my hands it was diagnosed that I now have RA. Started the ARAVA in Oct and got very ill on Jan 2012 with severe nausea and dry heaves with chills. Lost 10 lbs in 3 days and ended up in the hospital for 3 days with I/V antibiotics. Still not feeling very well but MD is insistent that I restart ARAVA. I intend to say no on next visit. Right now RA symptoms are under control.
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Reviewer: good, 45-54 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)

Comment:
Within two to three months of taking this medication I felt better of course I am still taking my methotrixate weekly. The combination is working wellthe pains subsided. i am on remisiion 4 years now

Comment:
Within two to three months of taking this medication I felt better of course I am still taking my methotrixate weekly. The combination is working wellthe pains subsided. i am on remisiion 4 years now
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Reviewer: snwblossom, Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)

Comment:
no difference so far,only been on this for 2 weeks.I'm still in pain.

Comment:
no difference so far,only been on this for 2 weeks.I'm still in pain.
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Reviewer: 4ip5qy, 65-74 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)

Comment:
I need other meds in addition of Arava to cntrol my pain and inflammation.

Comment:
I need other meds in addition of Arava to cntrol my pain and inflammation.
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