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Arava®
Brand Name: Arava®
Active Ingredient: leflunomide
Strength(s): 10mg, 20mg, and 100mg
Dosage Form(s): Tablets
Company Name: Hoechst Marion Roussel
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by the FDA: September 10, 1998
*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Arava used for?
Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow down damage to joints.
Who should not take Arava?
You must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman of childbearing age not using reliable contraception.
Special Warnings with Arava:
For Women:
You must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman of childbearing age not using reliable contraception, because in animal studies Arava has been shown to cause birth defects to the fetus.
You must avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Arava. If you suspect or find out that you are pregnant while taking Arava call you health care provider right away.
After stopping Arava treatment you must complete the drug elimination procedure before becoming pregnant because Arava stays in the body a long time.
You should not breast-feed if you are taking Arava.
For Men:
If there is any possibility your partner could become pregnant, you should stop Arava treatment and go through the drug elimination procedure prescribed by your doctor.
For All Patients:
Your doctor will conduct liver tests before you start taking Arava and will check your liver's response to Arava every month at first.
General Precautions with Arava:
If you have the following conditions or if you are being treated with medications that can be harmful to your liver Arava may not be right for you:
Liver disease including hepatitis B or C
Kidney problems
Severe immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders or severe uncontrolled infection.
What are some possible side effects of Arava? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Arava. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Diarrhea
Elevated liver enzymes
Hair loss
Rash
For more detailed information about Arava, ask your health care provider.
