Re: Methotrexate and Arava

[Guest guest]

Here's a link to some old information from the FDA on Arava. http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/Arava.HTM Since then a group called "public citizen" petitioned the FDA to remove Arava from the market. This cited increased problems when it was taken with Methotrexate. The FDA had an all-day hearing on Arava earlier this year and Arava is still on the market. http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/03/briefing/3930b2.htm There are a lot of law suits against the makers of Arava citing significant side effects. My feeling (but I'm not a medical professional) is that Arava is reasonably safe if frequent blood samples are taken to check for liver damage. Stopping Arava seems to be effective in reversing liver damage. Of course, avoiding alcohol is a step in the right direction for avoiding liver problems. Good luck and God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: Thurlow

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2003 5:29 PM

Subject: Methotrexate and Arava

Hi, Does any one know anything about any possible side effects in taking both methatrexate and Arava.I am at present taking 18 mgs methatrexate weekly and 8 mgs prednisone, 20 mgs Arava, .25mcg Rocaltrol and 1100 mg Synflex daily plus of course Losec and 5 mg folic acid weekly.I have stopped drinking alcohol as i thought I read somewhere that the combination could bring on some serious liver problems.Cheers,ette

[Guest guest]

> Hi, Does any one know anything about any possible side effects in

taking

> both methatrexate and Arava.

> I am at present taking 18 mgs methatrexate weekly and 8 mgs

prednisone, 20

> mgs Arava, .25mcg Rocaltrol and 1100 mg Synflex daily plus of

course Losec

> and 5 mg folic acid weekly.

> I have stopped drinking alcohol as i thought I read somewhere that

the

> combination could bring on some serious liver problems.

>

> Cheers,

> ette

Dear ette, I know that you must not drink while on these

medications, it may increase liver damage. Your physician will

periodically check your liver function and blood counts while you are

taking these drugs to detect abnormalities of liver function. Some

side effects on methotrexate: upset stomach, mouth sores, headaches,

dizziness, fatique, flu-like symtoms, or diarrhea. The daily use of

folic acid-may reduce some of those side effects. Some effects on

Arava:skin rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, liver effects and

reversible hair loss.

[Guest guest]

thank you for the information on Arava. I am having fortnightly bloods

done and so far so good.

Cheers,

ette

At 15:44 7/12/03, you wrote:

Here's a

link to some old information from the FDA on Arava.

http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/Arava.HTM

Since then a group called " public citizen " petitioned the FDA

to remove Arava from the market. This cited increased problems when

it was taken with Methotrexate. The FDA had an all-day hearing on

Arava earlier this year and Arava is still on the market.

http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/03/briefing/3930b2.htm

There are a lot of law suits against the makers of Arava citing

significant side effects. My feeling (but I'm not a medical

professional) is that Arava is reasonably safe if frequent blood samples

are taken to check for liver damage. Stopping Arava seems to be

effective in reversing liver damage. Of course, avoiding alcohol is

a step in the right direction for avoiding liver problems.

Good luck and God bless.

----- Original Message ----- From: Thurlow To:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2003 5:29 PM

Subject: Methotrexate and Arava

Hi, Does any one know anything about any possible side effects in taking both methatrexate and Arava.

I am at present taking 18 mgs methatrexate weekly and 8 mgs prednisone, 20 mgs Arava, .25mcg Rocaltrol and 1100 mg Synflex daily plus of course Losec and 5 mg folic acid weekly.

I have stopped drinking alcohol as i thought I read somewhere that the combination could bring on some serious liver problems.

Cheers,

ette