Is it possible that Arava might cause significant hair loss?
- Posted:
- 8 Jul 2010 by Bubbe
- Topics:
- arava, rheumatoid arthritis
8 Jul 2010
Hi , yes (frequent side efect) loss or thinning of hair
I know you this... but in order to help you i also need to know-ok
BRAND NAME: Arava
Expand this post...
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused by the arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation by suppressing the activity of immune cells responsible for the inflammation. Leflunomide suppresses immune cells by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that is necessary for the production of DNA and RNA. Without DNA and RNA the immune cells (and most other types of cells) cannot multiply or function (or exist). Because of its unique and different mechanism of action, leflunomide is of value when added to other medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide was approved by the FDA in September, 1998.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequently reported side effects are diarrhea, nausea, headache, rash, itching, loss or thinning of hair and weight loss. Leflunomide also may cause high blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeats. Since leflunomide suppresses the immune system, it may increase the risk to patients of infections. The most frequently reported infections involve the respiratory tract. Leflunomide may cause abnormal liver tests in the blood, suggesting damage to the liver. The liver tests usually return to normal with continued treatment. The dose of leflunomide should be reduced if liver tests are persistently greater than twice the upper limit of normal, and leflunomide should be discontinued if the levels remain above three times the upper limit of normal despite a reduction in dose. Leflunomide should not be administered to individuals with liver problems.
Contact your Doctor there might be something you can do about it... from a caring individual
Anonymous
9 Jul 2010
Yes my friend you may loose a bit of hair, but bald is buttiful. in some places is the hip thing. look at my picture, of course I'm 63
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and am currently taking Methotrexate, Plaquenil and Arava and my pain is slightly better but mot much. My Dr. is ...
3 answers • 4 Sep 2010 • 
I was on methetrexate for 9 months and found to be allergic to it, does the enbrel work with arava and no methetrexate
1 answer • 5 Oct 2010 •
I have a female friend and she has been prescribed Crestor40mg and since starting on this drug she has started to have significant hair loss,is there ...
1 answer • 15 Jan 2011 •
I've been on Humira for about 4 months now with remarkable success. I have no pain or swelling. I've been sick more than usual this winter, ...
6 answers • 4 Feb 2011 • 1 star
I am experiencing significant hair loss and thinning of my hair since taking Alendronate sodium (generic Fosamax) for the last 8 months.
1 answer • 3 Mar 2011 •
maso4169
Are you male? It's different if a woman is bald. Our hair is a part of what makes us us. Thinning hair I think I can deal with, but bald? No thank you. I hope this is just a temporary thing.