Hi Sally

I used to be on Methotrexate and like you am now on Leflunomide (Arava) 10mg. I'm also on Naproxen, Enbrel and Prednisolone. Leflunomide is a DMARD, a drug which alters the process of the disease and reduces the rate of damage to bone and cartilage. Naproxen is an anti inflammatory which acts on the symptoms of the disease by reducing swelling and therefore pain. It is normal to continue both until the disease is under control and then Naproxen can be gradually reduced. Normally in RA anti inflammatories are a form of continuous treatment unlike pain relief which can be used as required.

If you are having problems, which I assume you are as you are 'in a bit of bother', I would definitely take the Naproxen to get things under control if possible. I have been on Leflunomide for 8 weeks and it doesn't seem to be helping and feel I am deteriorating disease-wise even though I'm on a wagon load of other stuff! How long have you been taking it?

Lyn x

Thanks for that Lyn. I was previously on mtx but felt so rotten and had got very low in myself with the nausea, hair loss and wrecked weekends. I have only been taken the naproxen sparingly after suffering with bad stomach problems. My consulant changed me to the lefluomide about 2 months ago now. He did offer for me to carry on with the mtx as well but in my book there was no chance of that. I am feeling a huge amount better in myself - whether that is due to the steroid injection I had or the lefluomide I am not sure.
My problems at the moment are probably muscular (although it may be tendon based) and so I felt I should take an anti inflammatory. Hopefully that will help - either that or the lefluomide isn't working. Which is certainly an option i am not looking forward to discussing.