This page is for informational purposes only
What is Arava (Leflunomide Oral) ?
Can I buy Arava without Health Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?
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How is Arava (Leflunomide Oral) Pronounced? leh-FLEW-no-mide
Who is the Manufacturer of Arava? Aventis Pharm
What is Arava Used For? Arava is used to treat arthritis (rheumatoid type). It works by suppressing your immune system, since rheumatoid arthritis is caused by damage from an overactive immune system.
How To Use Arava
Arava is taken by mouth, generally once daily. Follow directions carefully, as it is generally recommended to start with a special higher dose for the first 3 days, then decrease to the regular dose thereafter. Dosing is based on your medical conditions, response to therapy, and liver function test results. After treatment is stopped, cholestyramine may be given as directed, generally three times daily for 11 days. This procedure is used if you require a rapid removal of Arava from your system. Without the procedure Arava may persist for 2 years. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to learn whether you are a candidate for cholestyramine treatment (such as a couple planning to have children).
Arava Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, mild dizziness, headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur: hair loss, chest pain, back pain, mouth sores, muscle cramping, numbness/tingling sensations. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual lumps (lymph gland enlargement). Leflunomide has rarely caused serious (possibly fatal) infections and blood disorders due to suppressing the bone marrow and immune system. Tell your doctor immediately if signs of infection (such as fever), extreme weakness/fatigue, or easy bruising/bleeding develop. Leflunomide may need to be stopped. The elimination procedure using cholestyramine or charcoal may be required (see How to Use section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Leflunomide has rarely caused serious (possibly fatal) liver disease, especially in people with other risks for liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing eyes/skin develop. Leflunomide may need to be stopped. The elimination procedure using cholestyramine or charcoal may be required (see How to Use section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Arava, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Arava Precautions
Arava should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using Arava, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a severe immune system disorder, bone marrow problems (dysplasia), uncontrolled infections. Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, kidney or liver diseases, blood disorders. Vaccination with live vaccine products while using Arava is not recommended. Consult your doctor. Due to possible fetal harm or death, a pregnancy test is needed before starting treatment. Use of reliable birth control is necessary. Consult your doctor. Arava must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Arava passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Arava is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. To minimize risk, men wishing to father a child should consider stopping Arava and using cholestyramine as directed (see How To Use). Consult your doctor. Use of Arava in children/teenagers under 18 years of age is not recommended.
Arava Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: cholestyramine, drugs affecting the liver (e.g., methotrexate, troglitazone), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), drugs which depress the immune system (e.g., prednisone, cyclosporine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Arava Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Missed Arava Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
Arava Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
| Generic and Namebrand Variations |
|---|
| Label Name | Unit | Package | Color | Shape | Flavor | NDC |
|---|
| Arava 10mg Tablet |
|
Bottle |
White |
Round |
|
54868490200 |
| Arava 10mg Tablet |
Tab |
Bottle |
White |
Round |
|
00088216030 |
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