I had to discontinue mtx in May for bone marrow suppression (hospitalized). I'm also on Cimzia, but it wasn't holding up as monotherapy, so I started Arava (leflunomide). I've been on it a month and a half.
For the first time I've actually benefitted from the side effect of weight loss, 11 pounds in 3 weeks!
I have no other side effects with this medication and it is beginning to work well with the Cimzia.
Just like sharing good news!
Arava is one of my next possibility s. I could benefit from this side effect and a drug that works. Sounds good to me.
Great stuff! - although I do hope this doesn't mean you are e
constantly rushing to the toilet? I relate to appreciating a drug that has this particular side effect having lost half a stone through being unwell recently. There is an upside but have to be careful now not to succumb to increased dose of steroids. Hope the Arava continues to do magic!
No, no rushing lol!
Yes , Arava n Cimza work extremely well together...I have tried on a number of occasions to go off Arava but the pain returns. ..will have to just get used to the idea of numerous medications. . Better to be pain free n have a life...
No weight loss for me...shame...haha..
It's only a 5% chance. 
It worked so well for me plus weight loss I even ran a 5k slow but ran it - then I got a really bad skin reaction came off it and then a year later went back on it with great results again but again skin reaction x hope it continues to work for you it was the best drug I have used x
great news that you are doing well and losing weight !!! I don't know about side effects as haven't been on these drugs but lovely to hear happy news xxx
I lost a stone while on Leflunomide but never got confirmation that it was the drug what did it. I thought it was though & obviously reading your post makes me surer still.
It is in the literature, but hard to find. The trots are far more common. What's interesting is that patients that experienced weight loss didn't necessarily experience the other.
Yep, no trots for me ... just unrelenting weight loss. I resorted to force feeding myself chocolate ... tough work but someone's got to do it.
So happy it's working for you in more way than one! Always a great thing to find something that helps on more than one front. 
I have ben on Leflunomide for several but have not lost weigh but sometimes do not feel like eating.
I'm on leflunomide right now, too, and losing weight like crazy. It doesn't seem to be doing much for my joints, sadly. Still, I'll take good news where it comes. *grin*
I didn't have an upset stomach, I just didn't really have an appetite, either. I'm not on it anymore, but my appetite still hasn't really returned, either. I tend to be an emotional eater, and that just disappeared. I'd be okay if it doesn't come back, really.
Rituximab treatment - any advice on what to ask and what to expect.
Weird weight loss???
Started Cimzia yesterday
Appointment advice/cimzia/pain
Leflunomide/Arava
