Arava is a DMARD (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) class
of drugs a type of medicine normally used to treat rheumatoid or
psoriatic arthritis.
It helps to slow down joint damage and also to reduce the
symptoms of the disease,
such as pain and morning stiffness joint tenderness and
swelling.
Arava works by reducing the ability the ability of white blood
cells called lymphocytes to
cause the disease response that leads ultimately brings about
the symptoms of RA and similar diseases.
It would be wise to discus the discontinuation of this
medication with your doctor, before doing anything as it may have
prescribed for another purpose.
Obviously if Arava is helping keep the symptoms of your problem
under control then you are taking the risk of the symptoms being
able to develop once again leading to more damage to joints and
pain. If you have an averse reaction to this medication then
perhaps you should discus the possibility of alternative medication
with your physician.
