Told rheumy nurse at first appointment i only have 1 kidney.
Does anyone know if arava affects kidneys? They said i would be ok on mtx with kidney but nothing mentioned when i changed to arava.......
Will try to remember to ask at next appointment but am so 'head in the clouds' at the minute and seem to go in with questions but come out more confused lol!
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Josie2
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I'm sorry the mtx didn't help you and hope that the arava does.
I reckon the best thing would be to phone the rheumatology nurse to double check Josie, just to be on the safe side. I think it is too important to wait until your next appointment.
I have been on Arava for about three years now (+ meth) and I have had no problems with it. However I don't have any underlying problems with my kidneys.
HI Josie, I've been on Leflunomide for about 6 year, I have heart failure, kidney disease and high BP other than the occasional headache and hair thinning I'm fine.
As you only have one kidney, I think some further advice from a doctor is called for, you could also speak to a pharmacist who are very knowledgeable these day about chronic health and medication.
To reiterate what the others have said, this really is a question for your rheumatology team, or perhaps your local pharmacist as Beth suggests. I have included a link below to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Arava (leflunomide), where it does mention that you should not take Arava if you have "moderate to severe kidney problems", but your rheumatology team should be able to give you more information on this:
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