Re: Does anyone have experience with Arava?

[Guest guest]

I was on Arava for a while. I had zero side effects from it, which

was nice because I was really sick on the methotrexate. I quit taking

it because I got my disease " under control " and found that I didn't

need it anymore, and I used to have to take so many pills that the

thought of taking a pill now makes me physically ill so the less pills

now the better.

I can't help you with the clinical trial. I'm assuming it's for a

drug in the testing phase? I am always leary of those, I know they

have to be tested on people before we know if they will work or not, I

just wouldn't wish to do it myself.

~Autumn

[Guest guest]

I've been Arava for about 2 months. I had major side effects with MTX

and sulfasalazine, but no side effects with Arava (maybe a little

additional fatigue). On the other hand, I haven't noticed much (if

any) difference in the RA yet, either. We're giving it another month

or 2 to see what happens.

>

> I went to my rheumatologist yesterday and he recommended Arava. I just

> wondered if anyone had any experience with it. He is also recommending

> that I participate in a clinical study for RA. He said it would

> involve free testing and medications for up to a year with the

> possibility of either discounted or free meds from the manufacturer

> afterwards since we don't have any insurance. So, I guess this is a

> two-part question. Arava and participation in a clinical study.

>

> Doreen

>

[Guest guest]

I was on Arava for a while, and it did a wonderful job of controlling

my pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, MTX had lowered my white blood

cell count, and the Arava continued the decline. I had to stop taking

both drugs, and have used Enbrel ever since. You can't know the effect

of a drug on YOU until you try it. Good luck!

Sue

On Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at 08:36 AM, Mimi wrote:

> I went to my rheumatologist yesterday and he recommended Arava. I just

> wondered if anyone had any experience with it.