Arava

[Fred1]

I recently read an article on the net stating that the incidence of death and liver problems associated with Arava use is much greater than that of Methotrexate. A watchdog group therefore is asking the FDA to take Arava off the market. I have been using Arava for about 2 years with fairly good results.
Has anyone had issues with side effects from this drug or does anyone have more information on the FDA review?
Thanks

[EdR]

I couldn't find any mention of a review at the FDA site (http://www.fda.gov) but that isn't unusual. Usually a drug review won't be made public until a finding is made.

Here is an article on Arava at about.com that mentions the FDA review:

http://arthritis.about.com/library/weekly/aa031501a.htm

Here is a statement from the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Products which made the original finding:

http://www.emea.eu.int/pdfs/human/press/pus/561101en.pdf

Good luck,
EdR

[jessiea]

Been on Arava for 2 years also. My daughter read the same article you did. She was so upset I called by Rhem. Of course my doctor does blood every 6 weeks. I like you have had great success with taking Arava and Celebrex together. Mostly pain free and not walking with a cane most of the time. Hope they don't take it off the shelf.