| The internet is a great source of information on all | | | | levels in patients, particularly those at risk of |
| topics and Googling Arava will through up many | | | | hematologic or hepatic toxicity. Managing the initial |
| results - some positive, some negative. There are a | | | | loading dosage is something you should take very |
| huge number of reviews online by users and | | | | seriously and consult with your doctor. |
| professionals alike - some reviewing experiences, | | | | So why are there Negative reviews of Arava online |
| knowledge or promoting the product itself. | | | | and what should I do about it? |
| Where do you go to get reliable information about | | | | The negative publicity you will find online about Arava |
| Arava online? | | | | is related to the potential side effects of using Arava. |
| How reliable is the information online about Arava or | | | | In the past there have been situations where Arava |
| any other drug for that matter? There are a number | | | | was used incorrectly and this has lead to problems. |
| of respected medical sites that review many drugs | | | | This is the manufacturer's own warnings in relation to |
| on an impartial, professional basis. The reviews are | | | | the use of Arava: |
| generally done by qualified professionals, be they | | | | "Pregnancy must be excluded before the start of |
| doctors, pharmacists or other health specialists. You | | | | treatment with Arava. Arava is contraindicated in |
| should also remember that for a drug to be | | | | pregnant women, or women of childbearing potential |
| marketed in the US, it has to pass stringent tests | | | | who are not using reliable contraception. (see |
| and research trials before being granted FDA | | | | contraindications and warnings). Pregnancy must be |
| approval, and details on that approval are available on | | | | avoided during Arava treatment or prior to the |
| the FDA website. | | | | completion of the drug elimination procedure after |
| Because of the problems caused by living with | | | | Arava treatment." |
| rheumatoid arthritis, most people with the condition | | | | As with many treatments, there are a number of |
| will at some stage be taking medication of one | | | | conditions that are incompatible with Arava. If you |
| description or another to deal with the pain and | | | | are considering using treatment with Arava, make |
| reduce swelling associated with the condition. | | | | sure you undergo thorough medical examination so |
| Medication for rheumatoid arthritis can be divided into | | | | that you make sure you don't have any of the |
| two categories: | | | | conditions that could cause you issues. You may not |
| 1. Symptom Relievers. Used to help relieve pain and | | | | even know you have them so it si best to get |
| swelling, these include the following: | | | | checked out first and keep those risks as low as |
| - Tylenol®* | | | | possible. Also make sure you are regularly checked |
| - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such | | | | by your doctor. |
| as aspirin and ibuprofen | | | | Other common complaints or side effects include skin |
| - COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs | | | | problems such as dermatitis, acne and rashes, |
| 2. Disease Modifiers. These drugs, known as | | | | respiratory problems such as cough, pneumonia and |
| disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), | | | | respiratory infections or endocrine deficiencies related |
| not only help relieve pain and swelling, but they also | | | | to the thyroid and the pancreatic functions. Arava, |
| help slow the progression of RA. | | | | like most drugs, have these issues and it is important |
| Arava slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis | | | | that you understand the risks associated with using it. |
| and because of this is classified as a DMARD. Arava | | | | That information is freely available online or from |
| helps relieve the pain and swelling in the joints caused | | | | your medical professional. |
| by rheumatoid arthritis. So, while there is no cure for | | | | So make sure you understand the risks, and weigh |
| rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible you can do | | | | them up against the potential benefits - make sure |
| something to help prevent it from getting worse. | | | | you take the advice of a trusted professional and |
| There are issues with Arava around loading dose | | | | keep your risk factors to a minimum. |