I was interested to read "Oh, Those Aching Joints: What You Need to Know about Arthritis" (November 2004). I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and struggle with this disease every day. The biologic response modifier leflunomide (Arava) may be a great drug for some, but it's been a disaster for me. An RA patient who's taking leflunomide along with another immunosuppressant is especially vulnerable to infections. Although I'm now off leflunomide, its effects can remain for 2 years so I need to be careful about any kind of infection. Working in acute care looks less and less inviting with all the diseases floating around today!!

-JANET DYSART, RN, CPN(C)

Vancouver, British Columbia