Drug Class: What is Arava and why is it prescribed?
Arava is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling associated with this disease, and staves off the joint damage that ultimately results.

Drug Mechanism: How does it work?
Arava is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused by the arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation by suppressing the activity of immune cells responsible for the inflammation. Leflunomide suppresses immune cells by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that is necessary for the production of DNA and RNA. Without
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Dosage: How should you take Arava medication?
Your dosage of Arava will be decreased after the first 3 days. Never take more than your doctor prescribes. If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Storage instructions: Store at room temperature away from light.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Arava is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arava with the following: Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn, Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater), Tolbutamide (Orinase).

Special information on Arava
You MUST NOT take Arava if you are pregnant; it can harm the developing baby. If you are still in your childbearing years, your doctor will want to see negative results from a pregnancy test before starting you on Arava. You'll also need to use reliable contraceptive measures as long as you take the drug. If you become pregnant while taking Arava, your doctor will stop the drug immediately and prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine (Questran) in 8-gram doses 3 times a day for 11 days. Questran helps to clear Arava from the bloodstream, possibly preventing harm to the unborn child.
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Arava side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Arava. More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, hair loss, headache, high blood pressure, indigestion, itching, joint disorders, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, nausea, rash, respiratory infection, sore throat, stomach inflammation, tendon inflammation, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weakness, weight loss. Less common side effects

Synonym

Venezuela: Arava
United States: Arava
United Kingdom: Arava
Thailand: Arava
Switzerland: Arava
Sweden: Arava
Spain: Arava
Singapore: Arava
South Africa: Arava
Russia: Arava (Арава)
Portugal: Arava
New Zealand: Arava
Norway: Arava
Netherlands: Arava
Mexico: Arava
Malaysia: Arava
Italy: Arava
Israel: Arava
Ireland: Arava Leflumide Lara
India: Arava
Hungary: Arava
Hong Kong: Arava
Greece: Arava
Germany: Arava
France: Arava
Finland: Arava
Denmark: Arava
Czech Republic: Arava
Chile: Arava
Canada: Arava
Brazil: Arava
Belgium: Arava
Austria: Arava Arava
Australia: Arabloc Molagar Lefluar Inmunoartro Filartros Arava
Argentina: Afiancen