Arava

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.

Drug Interactions

Tolbutamide. In in vitro studies, M1 was shown to cause increases ranging from 13 - 50% in the free fraction of tolbutamide at concentrations in the clinical range. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.

Rifampin. Following concomitant administration of a single dose of ARAVA to subjects receiving multiple doses of rifampin, M1 peak levels were increased (~40%) over those seen when ARAVA was given alone. Because of the potential for ARAVA levels to continue to increase with multiple dosing, caution should be used if patients are to be receiving both ARAVA and rifampin.

PRECAUTIONS:

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, 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 this drug 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. This drug 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 this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. To minimize risk, men wishing to father a child should consider stopping this drug and using cholestyramine as directed (see How To Use). Consult your doctor. Use of this drug in children/teenagers under 18 years of age is not recommended.

Arava Side Effects

Diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Arava (leflunomide) 20mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Arava (leflunomide) 20mg do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: cough, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, hair loss, chest pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, increased thirst/urination, muscle cramp/pain, mental/mood changes, vision changes.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, unusual growths/lumps, swollen glands (lymph nodes), unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood problems, and liver problems.

Proper storage of Arava:

Store Arava at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in bathroom. Keep Arava out of the reach of children and away from pets.