Arava (Leflunomide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

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Rheumatoid Arthritis »

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...

Read the Rheumatoid Arthritis article »

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Arava Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking leflunomide (Arava)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to leflunomide, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication:

liver disease or a history of hepatitis;
kidney disease;
any type of infection;
a history of tuberculosis;
a blood cell disorder (such as anemia, easy bruising or bleeding);
a weak immune system or bone marrow disorder; or
if you are using any drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use leflunomide if you are pregnant. Your doctor may want you to have a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking leflunomide.

Stop taking leflunomide if you miss a period, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. If you become pregnant while taking leflunomide, you will need to receive medications to help your body eliminate the drug quickly. This will reduce the risk of harm to your unborn baby. You will also need to go through this drug elimination procedure if you plan to become pregnant after you stop taking leflunomide.

Use effective birth control while you are taking leflunomide. After your treatment ends, continue using birth control until you have received the drug elimination medications.

If a man fathers a child during or after leflunomide treatment, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy while you are taking leflunomide. After your treatment ends, continue using condoms until you have received the medications to help your body eliminate leflunomide.

It is not known whether leflunomide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take leflunomide (Arava)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Before you start taking leflunomide, you may need a skin test to make sure you do not have tuberculosis.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Leflunomide can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

After you stop taking leflunomide, you may need to be treated with other medications to help your body eliminate leflunomide quickly. Without receiving this drug elimination procedure, leflunomide could stay in your body for up to 2 years. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Store leflunomide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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