itching and arava

welcome to the forum

It is some time ago since I had Arava. Great that it is giving you relief.

Maybe you could try having an anti-histamine tablet. I take a one a day claratyne.

If the itching doesn't go away or gets worse, there are a lot of other drugs out there that will give you good relief- the biologicals are great

Take care and best wishes

I just googled this site, it says that iching is an allergy and to tell your doctor. Have a read:

     http://www.medicinenet.com/leflunomideoral/article.htm                                              In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Hair loss is also a no no.( click on the link above) 

Sorry to report this, but it looks as though Arava is not for you.

On the bright side,this gives you an excuse to get a drug that is better for you and maybe even more beneficial as to the benefits. Hang in there

I'd think that the 2 are unrelated.

Check it out with your rheumy anyway, they are a wealth of information.

Have a look at pictures on the internet of skin problems and see if you can identify it.

I have had trouble with shingles with my latest drugs, and have got rid of it with Famvir

If you are not having Arava, what medication are you on now?

I just clicked on the link that I wrote up in my previous correspondence and it doesn't link up. Try googling Arava and then click on adverse symptoms.

Good luck

Dear CaMama

Fingers crossed that this can be addressed soon. I suppose having experience with skin irritations, you are familiar with washing with water only, or sorberline as a soap substitute.

Has your rhemy considered the new biologicals? These are taken less often and therefore have less side effects.

Best wishes

I have heard that Remicade is notorious for us sensitive babes. Congratulations that you managed a whole 2 years before falling off your perch.

Why not skip the humira and the enbrel and go straight for the rituximab-less chance for an allergy. This is taken as an infusion ( 5hrs supervised, controlled and constantly monitored) a fortnight apart, once maybe twice a year.

I had reactions with methetrexate, arava, embrel and humira, but the ritiximab seems ok. Iv'e had 3 lots of infusions(ie, 6) over the last 12 months.

So sorry to here you have hives, what do you think these are from? Is it something you ate?

Would the flu be congestion from something you ate as well?

Our immune systems are shaky. I find washing my nose out with salty water(breathing it up) keeps the bugs away really well. Actually I am more well now than I have ever been by doing this each morning and night

Gee we are tough cookies,burdened with so many nasties many never understanding.

I am so sorry about your sensitivities, it makes the road to freedom all the more heavy.

Our husbands are great at minimising our problems. Maybe we can pretend we are as well as they think we are and trick our bodies into being well.......mmmmmmm I would like to be 23, thin and fancy free, yes, I feel better now............LOL( hey it just might work and then whose laughing )

From your comments it sounds as if you thought I was talking about drinking water. I was actually talking about snorting up salty water, to keep your nose fresh and bug free.

So you have small veins too. Just have to get a good nurse who doesn''t see a problem with that. I actually get the infusion put into a vein on the back of my hand, not my arm.

We have had it hot and humid here too

I enjoyed the laugh

I want to be able to pull my weight in my marriage. I don't think enough of the hurt and sacrifice that my hubby must be going through with all my probs.

If I thought about the hurt, it would only pull me down in health.

I am truly bless that he  is still by my side........ mmmmmm ........what can I  do to say thankyou to him??