User Reviews for Arava oral

No relief from pain and inflamation. Hair loss is very bad. Have also tried Methatrexate and had very bad stomach problems. I am almost to give up and just live with it!

Was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a year ago. I am using Arava now (after plaquinil & sulfasalazine with minimal relief) and am absolutely in no pain - it has been a miracle drug for me. Also, all my blood levels are back to normal. Be patient with the GI issues they will subside after about a month. It was totally worth it for me.

Arava has almost put me in hospital, my kidneys and liver both being in trouble, blood counts all over the place. Found it very scarey and would not take it again. Have no idea where I go from here as I have also tried methadrexate with the same problems so now I'm just suffering the pain of this disease.

Arava raised my blood presesure and clashed with blood pressure pills putting me in the hospital. It also caused rashes and night sweats. However I am now effectively healed with proper nutrition and apple cidar vinegar.

I have been using Arava (10mg) along and Plaquenil for 6 weeks. Plaquenil for 2 years priot to adding the Arava. I feel really good. I am also trying to eat glutin free and I exercise 4-5 days per week. I do spinnning and strength training. I feel stongly that this helps me control my RA. I am anxious to have blood work done in June to assure my values are in check. I am doing everything possible to stay active and strong.

After six weeks of Arava, I literally have to run to the bathroom with diarrhea up to every few hours. Not worth it.

Wrote a long post on ARAVA. Have no idea where my effort went to. Side effects after 1 month. 25 years with RA and many modalities of treatment. Great drug but fear too many side effects to be tolerated well by many.

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.Read More Read Less

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. Read More Read Less

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

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

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

I've been on this medication for a month, it just makes me really tired so I take it in the evening. I still get flare ups. Going to give it at least 6 weeks to see if it helps.

iwant to know what is happening to my digestive system, as this has become a major problem, does Arava affect my digestive system?

I took this drug as prescribed for four months. In that time I did not gain a benefit from it helping to alleviate my RA symptons. After my first blood test, my liver functions were normal, but my white cell count and my platelet count was very low. After another month, these counts remain low. I am no longer taking the drug.

Switched from Methotrexate, hair loss diminished a little, but then started back up. Have been on Enbrel for about 4 months, I can feel a little difference and fewer flareups, but when they come they are worse than before. Hoping 6 mos will see a better difference.

I have undifferentiated autoimmune disorder/RA/ drug-induced lupus for 10 years. During the Summer of 2011 I had an exacerbation of my arthritis, which hasn't occurred in years. I am taking celebrex, plaquinil and my new Rheumatologist started me on prednisone and Arava. Now I am experiencing heart palpitations for 2 weeks. I weaned myself off of prednisone and want to stop Arava.

Started Arava 3 months ago, began to feel better immediately.. After the 2nd month a horrible cough started, has anyone else had this happen.. My Dr. wants to add Enbrel, kinda afraid,, Any feedback i would appreciate it.