Arava (Leflunomide) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects individuals with the skin condition psoriasis. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The active ingredient in Arava is Leflunomide. Leflunomide belongs to a class of medications known as immunosuppressants. It works by blocking the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, thereby inhibiting the production of key immune cells that drive inflammation in RA and psoriatic arthritis. This action reduces inflammation, slows down joint damage, and relieves symptoms.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Arava in Canada, New Zealand, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, manufactured by Sanofi Aventis, in strengths of 10 mg and 20 mg tablets. The generic Leflunomide is also available from New Zealand, Canada, and India by different manufacturers in strengths of 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Arava. The most common side effects of Arava may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Hair thinning;
• Headache;
• Indigestion;
• Nausea;
• Stomach pain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Bone marrow suppression;
• Peripheral neuropathy;
• Severe liver failure;
• Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of Arava's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Arava if you are allergic to Leflunomide or any ingredient in Arava. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a history of tuberculosis;
• Have a severe immunodeficiency;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have nerve problems;
• Have severe liver disease;
• Have significant bone marrow hypoplasia
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Arava and other medicines, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, birth control pills, Zocor, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using Arava in pregnancy can cause congenital disabilities. Women who can get pregnant should use reliable non-hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine. Also, they should undergo a "washout" procedure to remove the drug from their system before attempting to conceive. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Leflunomide is excreted in breast milk, and it may harm a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Arava is a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Your blood will need to be tested frequently, as Arava can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections and aid blood clotting. Your doctor may temporarily stop your Arava treatment, depending on the results of your tests. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Arava, or you could develop a severe infection. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.