Why
is Arava prescribed?
Leflunomide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide decreases
the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and slows damage to joints
caused by the disease.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Arava be used?
Arava comes
as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. You
will need to take a larger dose for the first 3 days of treatment.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take leflunomide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Arava : Full Prescribing
Information
| Arava's
Price List |
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Arava (brand)
Generic name : Leflunomide
|
| Strength : 100 mg tab
Manufacturer : Aventis Pharma
Quantity : 3 tablets |
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Arava (brand)
Generic name : Leflunomide
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| Strength : 20 mg tab
Manufacturer : Aventis Pharma
Quantity : 30 tablets |
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What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Arava,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to leflunomide
or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially cholestyramine (Cholybar,
Questran), colestipol (Colestid), felbamate (Felbatol), mercaptopurine
(Purinethol), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), methotrexate
(Rheumatrex), tolbutamide (Orinase), troglitazone (Rezulin), and
vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney
disease, hepatitis, severe infections, or conditions affecting the
bone marrow or the immune system (including human immunodeficiency
virus [HIV] and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]).
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. if you are planning
to father a child, you should talk to your doctor about stopping
leflunomide prior to conception.
- you should not receive any vaccinations while taking leflunomide
unless you have talked with your doctor.
- you should know that there is a special treatment for removing
leflunomide from your body once you stop taking it. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information about this treatment.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects
can Arava cause?
Although
side effects from leflunomide are not common, they can occur. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-
diarrhea
- hair loss
- headache
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- mouth sores
- runny nose
- back pain
- dry or itchy skin
- muscle pain or weakness
- flu-like symptoms
- urinary tract infection
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- increased heart rate
What storage conditions are needed for Arava?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain tests to check your response to Arava.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Arava : Full Prescribing
Information
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