Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources
Featured Centers
- Eating Out? Cut Calories, Heartburn
- 5 Good Ways to Save Money on Medicine
- 8 Ways to Treat Your Allergies
home > drugs a-z list > arava (leflunomide) drug center
Recommended Topic Related To:
Arava
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause chronic inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body.
- Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages.
- The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, characterized by periods of disease flares and remissions.
- In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually, but not always, affected in a symmetrical pattern.
- Chronic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint destruction and deformity.
- Damage to joints can occur early and does not correlate with the severity of symptoms.
- The "rheumatoid factor" is an antibody that can be found in the blood of 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis.
- The treatment of rheumato...
Arava
|
|
Arava Drug Center
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Arava (leflunomide) is used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps reduce joint damage and improves physical functioning. It is available in generic form. Aravais a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor belonging to the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic class of drugs (DMARD). Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. In rare cases, this drug may cause serious or fatal liver disease.
Arava is available in doses of 10, 20, or 100 mg tablets. It is usually taken orally once/day or as directed. Arava may adversely interact with warfarin, rifamycins, drugs affecting the liver, cholestyramine, and other drugs that weaken the immune system. Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor. Avoid being near people with contagious illnesses, as Arava can make it easier to get sick. If you already have liver disease Arava should not be used. Arava must not be used during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects. Before starting this medication, women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test. Two effective forms of birth control (e.g., condoms and birth control pills) must be used while taking this medication. Arava may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended. After stopping Arava, you may need other medications to help your body eliminate the drug. Without a drug elimination procedure, Arava could stay in the body for up to 2 years.
Our Arava Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.
What is Prescribing information?
The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.
Arava Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage
ARAVA is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
- to reduce signs and symptoms
- to inhibit structural damage as evidenced by X-ray erosions and joint space narrowing
- to improve physical function. (see Clinical Studies)
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and/or low dose corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with ARAVA (see PRECAUTIONS – DRUG INTERACTIONS – NSAIDs). The combined use of ARAVA with antimalarials, intramuscular or oral gold...
Read the complete drug monograph for Arava »
What is Arava Prescribing Information?
Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More
What is Patient information?
Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.
Arava Patient Information: Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using leflunomide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
- chest pain;
- cough, trouble breathing (you may also have a fever);
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weaknes...
Read the complete patient information for Arava »
What is Arava Patient Information?
Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More
What is Consumer information?
A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.
Arava Consumer Information: Uses
This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation).
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professi...
Read the complete consumer information for Arava »
What is Arava Consumer Information?
Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More
Next: Drug Description
Additional Arava Information
Arava - User Reviews
Arava User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Arava sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Arthritis
Get the latest treatment options
From WebMD
Arava
Related Drugs
Health Resources
Related Supplements
Use it Now
Find it Now
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
concise
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies
Updated & New
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.