Does anyone take Leflunomide daily and Methotrexate once weekly?
Hi lobdell! I do know that at least a few of our members take (or have taken) both Leflunomide and Methotrexate to treat their RA. However, I do not know that their particular treatment plans entailed. Hopefully, some of them will chime in here! I hope this treatment plan is working well for you, if you are on this particular protocol. Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi lobdell. As Erin mentioned, hopefully some members with actual experience with the leflunomide (Arava) and methotrexate combination will chime in. In addition, thought you might be interested in this paper from Johns Hopkins University finding the combination to be "safe and efficacious:" https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news/the-combination-of-leflunomide-arava-and-methotrexate-is-safe-efficacious-for-the-treatment-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
I just recently added Leflunomide to my treatment plan with methotrexate. I have been on the two for one month. So far I have not noticed any difference in my RA pain or inflammation. I understand that it takes a little over a month for the leflunomide to start showing results. My doctor is watching my liver enzymes closely as both these medications can have adverse effects on the liver.
Hi
. Everyone reacts to treatments differently. That said, I can tell you that trials, such as this one, have found that methotrexate with leflunomide performed quite a bit better than methotrexate alone (see: https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-news/the-combination-of-leflunomide-arava-and-methotrexate-is-safe-efficacious-for-the-treatment-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/). As you noted, closely monitoring liver function is essential on this combination. Hopefully others will chime in with their experience. More importantly, hoping you see some improvement soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
