From Methrotrexate to Arava: Response to

September 1, 2009

:

Not to scare you, but my own experience with switching from mtx to arava was a

nightmare. The arava did not do a thing for me and taking me off mtx put me in

a tailspin flare that was uncontrollable. I ended up in the hospital, had

several steroid infusions, plus taking maximum dose of 80 mg. prednisone

orally. I had to go on FMLA at my job and was in and out of work for over six

months. Plus, the high doses of prednisone wreaked havoc on my body. Horrible

weight gain, intestinal problems, racing heart, sweating like you would not

believe, etc. I ended up having to see other specialists because of all the

side effects.

I do not take oral mtx - made me too sick - so I take 1.0 cc (max dose) by

injection weekly. Like you, it works, but not working well enough. I'm a hard

case, I guess. I was diagnosed approx. 5 years ago. Currently taking mtx,

plaquenil, sulfasalazine and still trying to wean off prednisone (I'm down to

12.5 mg. now). I just finished an Orencia trial, which did not work for me.

I've already tried Enbrel and Humira - neither of those worked, either. I have

frequent flares that render me unable to work. I thank God that I have an

understanding boss.

Anyway, my own bad experience going off mtx does not mean it will happen to you,

but if mtx has been working for you and you go off of it, you might find out

just how much it did for you. Anything that may improve your symptoms may be

worth the risk. Only you can decide. I wish you the very best.

in Texas

From: ncwalker <ncwalker@...>

Subject: [ ] From Methrotrexate to Arava

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 3:45 AM

Has anyone gone from MTX to Arava and seen improvement?

I am at a point that I need something more than MTX. I was thinking he would add

prednisone since it helped when I took it a few days. But my Rheumy has

suggested trying Arava. I was a little reluctant, to stop MTX because it has

done so much for me. So we are trying an increased doseage of MTX by 2 tablets.

This is third week and I am not seeing much improvement if any.

I know we are all different and what works for one doesn't the other. From what

I have read the biggest concern I have would be the increase in blood pressure.

I am already on medication for that so I would have to monitor that. Hope

everyone is having a good day,

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