Arava and Headaches: What Users Say

• Tri...
• January 14, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "No way did this drug help me! What it did do was give me MS symptoms! Yes, I went totally blind off and on during the day and had debilitating headaches to where all I did was lay and cry! Warning, the doctor tells me I had MS. I say no, it's the drug! He says no and proceeds to send me to a neurologist. He examines me and says no, it's probably neuropathy! So here I go again being sent to yet another specialist! I was sent to an ophthalmologist, and he says no, your eyes are fine, it has to be MS! I then go back to the rheumatologist for him to say, yes, it's MS, don't stop the drug! I went out on my own gut and stopped the Arava and WHAT DO YOU KNOW--- MS SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARED ALMOST INSTANTLY! So please be aware these drugs will do more harm than good."

• PK ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Taking Arava for about 3 weeks for RA, it gave me a bad headache. My head hurt really badly, and my neck, I couldn't turn my head. My hands got very weak, it felt like I had sprained them. My finger joints were inflamed, and there was burning pain, and ALL my joints hurt worse. I stopped using it, and the headache, neck, and hand pain got better."

• M--...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 14, 2025

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been using Arava (Leflunomide) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis following a formal diagnosis after experiencing progressive, symmetric joint pain beginning in late 2021. Initially prescribed at a dose of 20 mg daily alongside Prednisolone 5 mg, the treatment helped significantly in controlling inflammation and reducing flare-ups. After one year, I successfully tapered off Prednisolone and continued with Arava alone. Side effects that I experienced personally: 1. Mild elevation in blood pressure, which may be due to Prednisolone. 2. Elevated liver enzymes, which required dose reduction. 3. Gastrointestinal discomfort, including gastritis and headaches. Rating: 8/10. I am giving Arava a rating of 8 out of 10 due to the side effects I encountered. While the drug has been effective in controlling RA symptoms, the need for dose adjustments and management of side effects slightly diminished its overall convenience and tolerability."

• Moh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

"I have been taking Arava for one week for psoriatic arthritis, and I have suffered from headache and high blood pressure within a week."