on enbrel, now adding arava: Have been on enbrel for 2... - NRAS

NRAS

36,430 members45,077 posts

on enbrel, now adding arava

jujubee43 profile image
5 Replies

Have been on enbrel for 20 weeks now and actually have experience more pain in wrist than before. Rheumatologist wants me to start arava along with enbrel. I am also taking 5mgs prednisone daily, meloxicam every now and then. I also have hashimotos (hypothyroidism) and take levothyroxine. For a person who really dislikes taking any meds, I feel like I am taking quite a bit. I am hesitant to start the avara. I guess I am concerned about my liver and other side effects.

and... does anyone out there experience numbness and tingling in hands and lower legs? Sometimes it keeps me awake at night. It is a strange feeling.

Written by
jujubee43 profile image
jujubee43
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies

I have Arava (Leflunomide) along with MTX and Rituximab. Keep a watch on your BP with Arava. The numbness might be peripheral neurothapy. nhs.uk/conditions/periphera...

Try Vitamin B12, and mention it to your GP.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Did you mention the numbess/tingling to your Rheumy before he prescribed leflunomide Jujubee? If not I wonder if you should before starting it. Peripheral neuropathy is a rare side effect of LEF, my thinking is you don't want to add to something which already exists however rare the side effect. I've recently stopped LEF for this reason, nerve conduction studies confirmed peripheral neuropathy. Your Rheumy may want to refer you to Neurology to have studies too.

eduk8 profile image
eduk8

Hi, this med is usually used in conjunction with other medications. Like many others it may work for some time and then slowly stop working; however, many people do well on it for years. I have now been on xeljanz for four years as the Arava did ware off. Good luck to you!

andy9131 profile image
andy9131

Hi , I don’t often post on here as I forget I have it , regards your meds’ I’ve been on this combination for 12 months and for me it has worked brought it under control although I still get pain in my joints mainly fingers and wrists and feet but told this pain is due to the damage that was done upto getting diagnosed and starting treatment so don’t get down give it a go , you will have to have blood test every couple of months due to Arava just to keep a check on things

jujubee43 profile image
jujubee43

Thank you for your reply. Do you get blood work regularly for being on enbrel??

You may also like...

Methotrexate now been added

and to keep on the hydroxy, I voiced my concern about starting this med with all the covid virus...

ARAVA

effects. I will start taking these pills tomorrow. Should I expect feeling bad after taking them?

Benepali versus enbrel - worried?

changing from Enbrel to Benepali, and did they experience any side effects, I am quite concerned...

Waiting for Enbrel to kick in

side effects. My question is how long does Enbrel take to start working. I’m not feeling a lot of...

Enbrel

keep up. Today my lovely rheumy confirmed my start on Enbrel. I am happy about this, have read...