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.

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!

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.

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 :)

Hi,
I've had RA for 40 years and have taken just about every kind of drug invented. Now I'm going to begin Arava. I certainly hope it helps. My doctor took me off Methotrexate and Indocin months ago and it's taken her this long to finally prescribe the Arava. Like I said I sure hope it works.
Merry Christmas
Roger

Hi Roger,
We can do this together! I have decided though that I am not going to start the Arava for a couple of weeks yet. This is the best I have felt in a long time. I am just taking paracetamol when I need it and I feel really good. I just want the methx out of my system before I start something new.
good luck and keep me posted on how you go!
Olivia :)

I take weekly methotrexate injections and my doctor prescribed Arava but I researched on the internet and found some pretty bad news about it, so asked him if I could not take it and explained why. If you have started it, how is it going with you?

Hi Ruby,

What did you find out about the Arava? Surely it couldnt be any worse than the Methx? The information on that made me not take it for years just in fear. If Arava is worse I'd rather something else. I did start to take the Arava but didnt feel very good so stopped it but just saw my rheumy and he said to halve the dose and try again. I am not going to start it till monday and would appreciate your feedback. I feel scared again :(
Olivia