Hi all.
I am brand new to this group, and I hope you can help me out with something.
I have been on Arava for three months. I get awful mouth sores in my cheeks, gums & tongue. My doc put me on 1mg daily of Folic Acid, and I rinse with warm salt water.
Does this go away after time? Any suggestions on improving it?
Thanks in advance for any help 
I think it will go away in a few months. Ask your doctor
The doctor can also increase your folic acid. That’s what will make it clear up over time. I’m on 3mg per day with arava, and I think I’ve heard of people going as high as 5mg per day.
Thank you 
Karen said:
I think it will go away in a few months. Ask your doctor
That is good to know Stony, thanks
Stoney said:
The doctor can also increase your folic acid. That’s what will make it clear up over time. I’m on 3mg per day with arava, and I think I’ve heard of people going as high as 5mg per day.
HI :)
I have had some mild hair loss (happily I have tons of hair, so it is not noticeable) and it seems to have taken a big more of my energy. The mouth sores have been my biggest problem, but I cant believe how much it has helped with pain and swelling.
Hope you have only positive results :)
Lovemydogs said:
Hi Stephanie ...I've recently started a very low dose of arava...is this the only side effect you are experiencing? Hope your mouth sores clear up
I'm on Avara ....4 months now and have been having issues with my mouth, burning tongue, sore throat. We increased the folic acid to 5 daily and it helped for a while but seems to still be an issue. I'm also losing a fair amount of hair and my hair was fine to start so for me it's noticeable and am thinking of cutting it short. As far as the swelling and pain, it is helping more then any med I have been on so far, so this is good.
I am also on sulfa daily...was on four but cut back to two daily as my blood work was really wonky and I think it's helping that. Good luck :-)
Thank you Tara. Do you think the mouth sores come on if you are getting sick? I think mine got worse when I caught a bug.
I've been getting mouth sores off and on ever since being on MTX , not so much lately but the burning mouth and sore throat have been fairly consistent. Since cutting back two Sulfa it seems to be somewhat better. As far as a cold or virus, I haven't had one for years...in fact my immune system has been pretty amazing in that regards. Even since starting meds last April, I've managed to not get sick, however now I'm wondering if possibly the sore throat thing is in fact some kind of virus.
It just seems odd that it would hang on for so long, but maybe because the Avara is really kicking my immune system down? It's something I will ask my doctor next visit. I'm also finding I'm having issues with breathing when I increase my activity(walking, especially up hills). I've mentioned this all to my doctor but the only thing I was told to do so far was increase the folic acid.
Steph G said:
Thank you Tara. Do you think the mouth sores come on if you are getting sick? I think mine got worse when I caught a bug.
Taralynn,
I saw on Aravas web site that chronic sore throats are a common side effect, one I also have.
I doubled my Folic Acid & I seem to be doing better. Wouldn’t it be nice if the treatment was chocolate?
Chocolate would certainly be wonderful! I've been on 5 folic acid daily and still having the sore throat off and on....I can deal with the sore throat but the breathing issue is getting to me. I'm getting winded with any increased activity...that concerns me, so will hopefully address it one day soon. Maybe a lung functioning test? I'll be asking my doctor next visit ;-) I hope to one day run again...or at the least summit some of our beautiful mountains with my husband ;-)
Steph G said:
Taralynn,
I saw on Aravas web site that chronic sore throats are a common side effect, one I also have.
I doubled my Folic Acid & I seem to be doing better. Wouldn't it be nice if the treatment was chocolate? :)
Thanks for everyone’s help! Taking Folic 3x per day and I am doing much better
Good to hear Steph!
Steph G said:
Thanks for everyone's help! Taking Folic 3x per day and I am doing much better :)
I had the same reaction to MTX Injections. I tried the oral doses but too hard on my stomach. Seems all these biologics affect us all one way or another *sigh.*