Arava

Arava is a prescription only medication used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This medication works by weakening your immune system to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as pain, swelling, and joint damage. This improves movement of the body.

• Arava

• Arava
• Leflunomide

• Tablet

• By mouth

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to leflunomide, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, any infection, lung disease, or a history of tuberculosis or blood or bone marrow problems.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsSerious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic reaction which can cause organ damagePossible increased risk of cancerNerve problemsLung problems

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Do not use this medicine if you are also using teriflunomide.

Some medicines can affect how leflunomide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Alosetron, cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, duloxetine, furosemide, ketoprofen, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, penicillin G, pioglitazone, rifampin, rosiglitazone, theophylline, tizanidine, warfarin, zidovudineBirth control pillsMedicines that weaken your immune system, including a steroid or cancer medicinesStatin medicine (including atorvastatin, nateglinide, pravastatin, repaglinide, simvastatin)

Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live virus vaccines while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Chest pain or discomfort, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss