i just stopped taking Arava. didn't gain weight. lost 5 lbs. what finally made me quit was the extreme hair loss. in 3-4 months i estimate i lost more than 1/2 my hair. but the thing that really was the last straw was the shaking. not occasional tremors, complete body shakes. to the point i had trouble walking, couldn't hold a cup, utensils to eat. couldn't write or even use the computer mouse. it didn't give me enough relief to live with those side effects. been off about 3 months now. my hair isn't falling out anymore and i am not shaking anymore. yes i did have my thyroid checked and everything came back normal.

Yes I would have to say yes I did gain weight

Yes the only side affects I had with Arava was hair loss. I don’t think I gained any excess weight. My doctor said I was the poster child for Arava. I was able to exercise and walk with very little pain.

Hair loss for me was greater when I took max dose of Methotrexate. Now on reduced dose plus Arava. I have not noticed an increase in hair loss.

I think Arava is associated with weight loss and if someone is on steroids as well, it is more likely the steroids that are causing weight gain. As far as hair loss, my doctor has me taking folic acid and I haven't noticed any significant loss. I am wondering if those who experienced hair loss were taking folic acid as well.