I also take Arava (leflunomide). I couldn't tolerate MTX whether oral or injected. It has helped my symptoms about 20%, which as the point I was at was great. I'm currently also taking Cimzia, a biologic, and my dr. and I are hoping the Arava helps keep the Cimzia working for longer. My body seems to be able to override biologics every couple of years and I need to change.
Tootles, I've been on one biologic or another for 12 years now, and I haven't gotten sick or infected any more or less than before I was on biologics (I was dx with PsA 31 yrs ago). I think biologics are pretty miraculous compared to what was out there before, which was not much. For example, I had chronic eye inflammation because of my PsA, and as soon as I started Enbrel it stopped cold.
Stoney said:
Leflunomide is also known by the brand name Arava. It is a dmard, in the same class as MTX, but the course of action is somewhat different. MTX didn't do anything for me other than make me queasy. Leflunomide decreased my inflammation and lowered my fatigue. And yes of course, there are side effects.
Thank you so much, Marietta! I just need to "woman up" and stop associating the MTX with biologics. This new Rheumy (who has very good credentials, etc.) took one look at me and my records and immediately said (without question), you have PsA; I need you to get bloodwork for TB & ?? and we are going to start you on Symboni (?) right away. Insurance pays for either Humira or Enbrel first, so they will be the choice. Neither will be able to heal my spine, but if they can prevent more damage, it would certainly be a blessing. I appreciate you sharing the positive effects you have experienced ... means a lot to me. Hugs, Dee
Approximately 30% of people with RA is seronegative. If you have symptoms of RA you should have the RA test down every now and then. Seronegative often changes with the course of the disease.
The rheum I LOVED (and has since retired) said it doesn't matter what we call it, the treatment is the same. So did I have PsA with almost no psoriasis, sero-negative RA or AS? She thought it was PsA and AS but didn't want to waste time doing diagnostic tests to get the exact diagnosis, she wanted treatment stat.
Currently I am doing well on Imuran and Orencia. A DMARD and a Bio.
There are rheums who only see RA, it is RA or it isn't. They don't really see PsA in their office. Someone may come into their office with PsA but they SEE it as sero-negative RA. I believe you have to ask a rheum how many patients they see on a weekly basis with PsA. If the rheum answers that he/she doesn't usually see patients with PsA find another rheum.. This disease has some differences and you should be treated accordingly.
Put another way, if all a doc sees is a dog - every patient is a dog. If the doc sees poodles and yorkies and labs - the doc knows their is more than one type of dog.....