Question 1

is it ok to take both prednisone and arava (leflunomide) for ra?

Accepted Answer

Again, ask specialis: You are being treated for a specific medical problem, with two meds that each have signifacant effects and side effects.  Certainly you ought not take any antninflammatory meds such as Aspirin or ibuprofen.  Drink a lot of non-alcohol beverages, and call the treating physician to inform you have a headache, and follow his/her instructions.

Question 2

why do i need to stop methotrexate & arava (leflunomide) before alif surgery? i can't take it for 2 months after, why?

Accepted Answer

See below: You must stop before surgery and you can resume it until you are cleared the surgeon performing surgery because it can put you at increased risk for post-surgerical infections.

Question 3

psa have tried mtx w /remicade& w/ humara no help methotrexate caused blood issues but worked better. now embrel/leflunomide.no relief frustrated help?

Accepted Answer

MTX sc ?: Mtx causes less liver issues given sc versus oral. Also mtx has more potent metabolites that take 10 weeks to develop. You did not specify what tests where abnormal.  But you suggest that mtx was given alone. Was it? Mtx and Humira (adalimumab) are a good combo for psoriatic arthritis.

Question 4

i found a product for constipation called oxy powder which claims to be natural. i suffer from constipation. i now take plaquenil and arava. i have not had a bowel movement in 6 days and i dont know if ai should take this or not?

Accepted Answer

One choice: This product contains a high dose of magnesium (think Milk of Magnesia). It should stimulate the bowel to empty, but may give some cramps. After 6 days, you may need an enema (oil retention best) to soften and stimulate the ‘plug’ to move. Begin a water retention product (miralax, colace) daily, increase water intake, add roughage and fiber to regular diet, consider dulcolax for short term.

Question 5

take propecia 1mg, methotrexate 25mg, arava (leflunomide) 20mg, enbrel weekly, b12 & folic acid..which ones are most likely to cause high liver enzymes(ast&alt)?

Accepted Answer

Mtx and enbrel (etanercept) : Methotrexate and Enbrel (etanercept) can cause elevation of the liver enzymes.

Question 6

current ra flare, kidney stones&covid past 3wks. i take prednisone, plaquenil arava(new),nsaids, zoloft. cbc yesterday=neutrophils 80% and 8.7k/mm lymphocytes12.4%, platelets 392, mpv 8.5 all else good. feel good but concerned! any input appreciated?

Accepted Answer

: There is nothing to concern with those numbers.

Question 7

is it safe to take leflunomide while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Ideally No: Leflunomide is used in rheumatoid arthritis.  It can cause fetal birth defects.  Generally we want to get you off of this medication prior to pregnancy.  You should talk to your doctor before coming off of any medication however.

Question 8

i have rheumatoid arthritis, i take prednisone every 3rd day, leflunomide every day, and tramadohl for pain. everynight around 2-3am, i wake up in terrible pain in my knees and hips. sometimes includes my hand and finger joints. i have to take more tramad

Accepted Answer

The : The other side of these coin, has to do with whether you need additional treatment and whether the future of your disease is been controlled. If you have features of inflammation in your physical exam or in your blood test , or if your have signs in your x rays or MRI that may damage, like erosions . You may be a candidate for biologic therapy and that might lead you to a better control of your disease , and thus less symtoms.

Question 9

what's the probability of arava (leflunomide) harming a baby while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Arava (leflunomide) is : Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Question 10

is arava (leflunomide) effective for rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Arava, (leflunomide) also called Leflunomide has been shown to help control rheumatoid arthritis, to decrease the inflammation and swelling and joint pain, and decreased joint damage.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

How long does it take arava to effect some relief

A member asked:

Is it ok to take both prednisone and arava (leflunomide) for ra?

A member asked:

Why do i need to stop methotrexate & arava (leflunomide) before alif surgery? i can't take it for 2 months after, why?

A member asked:

Psa have tried mtx w /remicade& w/ humara no help methotrexate caused blood issues but worked better. now embrel/leflunomide.no relief frustrated help?

A member asked:

I found a product for constipation called oxy powder which claims to be natural. i suffer from constipation. i now take plaquenil and arava. i have not had a bowel movement in 6 days and i dont know if ai should take this or not?

A member asked:

Take propecia 1mg, methotrexate 25mg, arava (leflunomide) 20mg, enbrel weekly, b12 & folic acid..which ones are most likely to cause high liver enzymes(ast&alt)?

A member asked:

Current ra flare, kidney stones&covid past 3wks. i take prednisone, plaquenil arava(new),nsaids, zoloft. cbc yesterday=neutrophils 80% and 8.7k/mm lymphocytes12.4%, platelets 392, mpv 8.5 all else good. feel good but concerned! any input appreciated?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take leflunomide while pregnant?

A member asked:

I have rheumatoid arthritis, i take prednisone every 3rd day, leflunomide every day, and tramadohl for pain. everynight around 2-3am, i wake up in terrible pain in my knees and hips. sometimes includes my hand and finger joints. i have to take more tramad

A member asked:

What's the probability of arava (leflunomide) harming a baby while pregnant?

A member asked:

Is arava (leflunomide) effective for rheumatoid arthritis?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?