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Starting treatment - mtx or arava?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 7/29/2011 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
My dr. just called. The results of the MRI are back. There are significant erosions. She was shocked that there is so much damage so soon. Well true I just started seeing her, but I have been fighting for a dx for 3 years! anyway, that's another story.

She wants to start me on DMARDs right away. The nurse asked if I preferred methotrexate or arava. I know what mtx is, its risks and benefits, but I had never heard of arava. I won't take plaquenil because I already have eye issues.

Anyone taking arava? Know about it? have advice for me?

Thanks
Posted 7/29/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hihi...I have been taking Arava (Leflunomide) 20mg since mid-2007 as I was unable to tolerate MTX, in both pill form and the injectable...I have bloodwork done every three months and my liver functions have been fine with it.

Good luck!
Posted 7/29/2011 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
I would say, do the homework on both these meds, as your looking at different reactions,
seems like it should be your decision and you can do a google search on them both,
or go to www.drugs.com to look up interactions, this is probably the most important
decision you have to make...right now I'm on injectible MTX...but I can't tolerate
it every week either, mtx is done weekly...and make sure you have a follow schedule
3 - 4 weeks out so you can report any and all side effects to your doctor asap.
The MTX has the few side effects, it should be tried probably first, but at a
low starting dose to build up....That would be my opinion, good luck and well
wishes in what you choose to go with, If you enjoy your weekends don't start anything
till Monday or Tuesday, just in case of a reaction...
Prayers to you hun and do keep us posted as to how your doing...
Posted 7/30/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
I am on MTX. I didn't want to take Arava for two reasons. One is that I already have high BP, and that is one of the side effects of Arava. The second reason is that my rheumy told me she feels Arava is even harder on the liver than MTX. Of course, everyone is different, and some people have no problem with Arava at all, and do have problems with MTX. I would research both, listen to what your doc thinks, and then make a decision. Best Wishes, V
Posted 7/30/2011 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi agree with everyone i was on Arava and it worked Really well i felt good But after about 6 months my Liver enzymes were thru the roof so had to stop i then went on MTX i find it slower to notice any differance and have had a lot of trouble with nausea and take a lot of Folic acid to help and havent been able to tollerate large doses so out of the 2 i prefer the Arava But Don't Like the Damage to the Liver, all you can do is give whichever one you choose a try and hope for the best then if it dosn''t work try the next one.
Posted 8/1/2011 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hey I would say do your homework on both as well. I personally would stay off of Arava, way too many side effects for me to be okay with long term use of it(I'm Diabetic as well so no way i need yet another thing to possibly damage my internal organs). I would try MTX. It's kind of slow acting at first but less harmful to the body and plus it's used in conjunction with a lot of other medicines like the embrel, humira, etc. So it's a good basis to start on seeing as it doubles as a building block for what might come next, although hopefully it works out great for you.
Posted 8/2/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the advice. I went with the MTX because I knew what to expect with it. She also gave me a prednisone burst. I will be off the pred in 2 weeks, but she said to call if I have any problems. I'd like to stay on a low dose until the mtx kicks in. Hate the weight gain & bone issues of pred, but it makes me feel great. I forget how that feels!

I really appreciate this group. having people to talk to that you don't have to explain what RA is first, makes a huge difference.

I'll let you all know how it goes with the MTX
Posted 8/2/2011 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Just to wish ya lots of luck. i was on MTX for years.. the side effects weren't very pleasant - lots of nausea, my weekends were basically a goner. i wish you a lot of luck with it!!
SeroNegVictim - hey, you're diabetic? What type? Do you also have a RA, on MTX?? Welcome to the Forum, i'm also new around here ;)
Posted 8/5/2011 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on Arava for 4 years now and have had no problems. I was on MTX for about 8 years till I could not take it anymore. It was like being pregnant every weekend, the nausea was so bad, I asked my doctor to take me off it.
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