Generic Arava

Arava is commonly prescribed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to help decrease the inflammation, pain, and damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Arava, which is generically prescribed as leflunomide, targets the immune system to achieve the reduction in inflammation.

The prescribing physician should take care to receive a thorough medical evaluation prior to prescribing Arava, as not all patients can tolerate this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes poor bone marrow function, immune system disease, kidney disease, liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or infection may not be able to take Arava or may need special monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Arava, depending on the condition, the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. Patients who have recently received a live vaccination can not take Arava until an appropriate amount of time has passed.

Arava was labeled a category X pregnancy risk by the American Food and Drug Administration which means that it is almost certain that Arava will cause serious harm or birth defects to an unborn child. Arava has been proven to pass into the mother’s breast milk and can cause serious harm to a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should never prescribe Arava to women who are pregnant, nursing, or have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant. Patients should notify the physician immediately if they believe they are pregnant.

There are side effects associated with Arava, and a small number of patients may experience intolerable or dangerous side effects. Side effects such as jaundice, pale stools, dark urine, low fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and abdominal pain may signify liver damage. Side effects such as a high degree of fatigue, easy bruising, easy bleeding, fever, chills, black, bloody, tarry stools, sore throat, or signs of infection may indicate a decrease in bone marrow function or blood problems. Side effects such as skin rashes and sores inside the mouth require immediate emergency medical attention, as do all serious side effects. Allergic reactions are indicated by swelling of the face, hives, and difficulty breathing and require immediate medical care.

Most patients experience side effects which are not nearly as severe and require no medical attention. Patients generally report experience side effects such as hair loss, increased blood pressure, diarrhea, muscle aches, and headaches. These side effects and any others that are particularly bothersome should simply be reported to the prescribing physician.

Patients should be careful to take their medication as scheduled, although if a dose is missed it should be taken as soon as it has been remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose of Arava, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume the normal dosing schedule at the following dose. Taking a double dose or taking doses of Arava too closely together may lead to an overdose. If an overdose of Arava is suspected, the patient should receive prompt medical assessment. An overdose may include symptoms such as liver damage or liver problems, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and problems relating to the blood.

The prescribing physician should always encourage patients to inquire within prior to taking any new medications. Taking new prescription medications, over the counter medications, herbal supplements, or vitamin or energy supplements without inquiring with a physician increases the risk of drug interactions. Medications with known interactions with Arava include methotrexate, rifampin, and cholestyramine. Patients who drink alcohol regularly while taking Arava increase the risk of developing serious liver problems. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Arava.