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MTX and Leflunomide (Arava) Options
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Rosferris
#1 Posted : Tuesday, January 19, 2010 5:27:15 PM Quote
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Joined: 1/19/2010
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Hi,

My name is Ros. I was diagnosed about 2.5 years ago. I started out on MTX at 10mg which was increased to 20mg. As my RA was still not under control they changed me to 20mg MTX in injection form. This worked great for a about a year but my attacks have now increased. My Consultant has now added daily Leflunomide tablets to my weekly MTX dose.

Has anyone found any success with this combination? Also, has anyone suffered any side effects as they sound horrendous on the handout leaflet.

Ros.
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ellie99
#2 Posted : Tuesday, January 19, 2010 9:42:51 PM Quote
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Posts: 64
Location: Sussex
Hi Ross,

Welcome to the forum, so sorry you are suffering at the moment. I'm afraid I cant help with this drug combination I on mtx and sulpha, I expect someone will reply soon with some experience.

Hope you feel better soon

Ellie
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RedDog
#3 Posted : Tuesday, January 19, 2010 10:13:01 PM Quote
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Location: Surrey
Hello Ros,

I've been on MTX for about 17 years I think. Went up to 30mg per week for a short period then knocked me back to 25mg and added in 20mg of Leflunomide about 9 years ago. Touch wood I have had no problems at all. Adding in the Leflunomide made a huge difference as the MTX seemed to have lost it's efficacy!

I make sure I have my bloods done every 4 weeks ( although that's mainly due to the fact that I like the lady that does it! )

Give it a go!

Stewart. Smile
A friend is someone who knows all about you but loves you anyway!
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joan_w
#4 Posted : Wednesday, January 20, 2010 4:34:27 PM Quote
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I have been taking MTX and leflunomide for about 4 years now. Like everyone I started with just MTX but that failed within the first year and leflunomide was added. I found it very effective and although I think the combination is not now controlling my symptoms I still believe that it is the leflunomide which is working far better than MTX for me.

Don't worry too much about the side-effects. I didn't get any more side-effects from the leflunomide. All my nasty side-effects have been there from the beginning and are caused by MTX. It says in my blood book that you should have your blood-pressure taken along with your regular bloods if you are taking leflunomide but again I have never had a problem with my blood pressure all the time I have been taking leflunomide.

I hope that this combination will work for you and you see a quick improvement.

Jo
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Rosferris
#5 Posted : Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:58:37 PM Quote
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Posts: 3
hi guys,
thanks for your replies. I will keep you posted on any side effects etc.

I will be back on bloods every two weeks for the first 6 months or so, I have read all the info (much the same as MTX) and hope this drug will not stop me enjoying the odd tipple of evening wine or brandy I so love.

Bloods have always been fine on MTX so hopefully they won't alter while also on Leflunomide.

Ros.
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