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A myRAteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Oklahoma City, OK

Hi all, since methotrexate did not sit well with me at all, she wants me to do some research on arava and enbrel, any one on or tried this combo?

June 6, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared varied experiences with Arava and Enbrel as alternatives to methotrexate, with some finding relief through these medications... Read more

Members shared varied experiences with Arava and Enbrel as alternatives to methotrexate, with some finding relief through these medications while others experienced allergic reactions, liver issues, or medications that stopped working after several months. Several members offered encouragement about finding the right combination, noting that Enbrel helped control symptoms for some (though it can feel like a bee sting), Arava worked better than methotrexate for others, and newer options like Xeljanz, Humira, and Otezla provided relief when earlier treatments failed. A recurring theme was the frustration of trial and error in finding effective medications, the importance of monitoring side effects like elevated blood pressure or liver function, and the shared relief of no longer needing weekly methotrexate injections.

A myRAteam Member

Arava helped the RA, but I noticed my usual low blood pressure was higher every time I went for check ups. After 4 years of this med. it was in the dangerous range of close to 200 over something I can't remember, but the nurse wanted me to go to emergency. I researched and found this is a side effect. It takes a very long time to get this medication out of your tissues and system. My BP is finally back to it's low normal but it took a couple years and Toporal BP med.

June 17, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Good Morning! I'm taking Arava but only for a month and haven't really noticed any difference yet. Have had slight stomach upset but so far no other side effects. Keeping fingers crossed it works! I'm also on Humira but it's not totally controlling the RD.

June 8, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Hi I take enbrel weekly injection feels like a bee sting but it helps had to come of methotrexate because of my liver

June 7, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Yes, mixed review due to us all being human!๐Ÿ˜‰ Hang in there and hopefully we all find our healing mix!๐Ÿ˜

June 7, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I'm currently taking Arava. Doc says I need to stay on it 3 months to see if it works. 2 months in with no reactions and still no relief but less swellings. I take it just before bed cuz there is some tummy aspects I didn't want to endure. Sooo much better than that shot every week! Next step is adding Xeljanz to the mix. Good luck!

June 7, 2016

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