Changed from MTX to Arava

[Ahmed_Alhaideri]

Hi all,

I 'm new to this forum,

I took MTX for 9 months but because of the hard side effects, I stoped the MTX Methotrexate),

My doctor prescribed ARAVA 20 mg tablets (leflunomide),

Can someone tell me what is the side effects of ARAVA ?and is it same of MTX?

Thanks a lot

[bluebell99]

Hello and a warm welcome to our friendly fibro forum, where you can get advice, support, help and understanding.

I am wondering if you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, as the medication you have been prescribed is normally used for autoimmune conditions as an immunosuppressant.

Of course you may have fibro as well as RA or Lupus or other conditions, in which case you will be prescribed other meds as well as Arava.

I suggest you Google side effects of Arava and choose a site that you trust to tell you more.

Our mother site fmauk.org will be able to give you more information about fibromyalgia.

Please come back to us if we can be of further help.

Kay

[Ahmed_Alhaideri in reply to bluebell99]

Hi Kay,

Thanks a lot for your welcoming,

I have been diagnosed with RA.

Thanks a lot

[TheAuthor]

Hi Ahmed_Alhaideri

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance.

*Arthritis Research UK say:

*Leflunomide, or Arava, is another widely-used DMARD for RA with the potential for hair loss side effects. Leflunomide, which is often prescribed in combination with methotrexate, causes hair loss similar to the way methotrexate does in about 10 percent of users.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Ahmed_Alhaideri in reply to TheAuthor]

It is my pleasure to join this forum and thanks a lot Mr. Ken for you for this apprciated welcoming and compliment.

Ahmed

[TheAuthor in reply to Ahmed_Alhaideri]

Good luck my friend