| Arava side effects November 2005 |
Brand Name: Arava®
Active Ingredient: leflunomide
Strength(s): 10mg, 20mg, and 100mg
Dosage Form(s): Tablets
Company Name: Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by FDA: September 10, 1998
What is Arava used for?
Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults to reduce signs
and symptoms, slow down damage to joints, and improve physical function.
Arava is not indicated in children or adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis.
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 Warning(s) with Arava side effects:
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 your 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:
· Rare cases of severe liver injury, including death, have been reported by
patients taking Arava. Your doctor will conduct liver tests before you start
taking Arava and will check your liver's response to Arava monthly for the first
six months and then, if unchanged, every 6 to 8 weeks thereafter.
· Interstitial lung disease (an inflammation of lung tissue) has been reported
in patients taking Arava. If you develop new or worsening symptoms such as
cough or trouble breathing, with or without a fever, notify your health care
provider immediately.
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 hepatitis C
kidney problems
severe immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders or 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
skin rash
mouth sores
unusual tiredness
abdominal pain
For more detailed information about Arava, ask your health care
provider.
Active Ingredient: leflunomide
Strength(s): 10mg, 20mg, and 100mg
Dosage Form(s): Tablets
Company Name: Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
*Date Approved by FDA: September 10, 1998
What is Arava used for?
Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults to reduce signs
and symptoms, slow down damage to joints, and improve physical function.
Arava is not indicated in children or adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis.
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 Warning(s) with Arava side effects:
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 your 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:
· Rare cases of severe liver injury, including death, have been reported by
patients taking Arava. Your doctor will conduct liver tests before you start
taking Arava and will check your liver's response to Arava monthly for the first
six months and then, if unchanged, every 6 to 8 weeks thereafter.
· Interstitial lung disease (an inflammation of lung tissue) has been reported
in patients taking Arava. If you develop new or worsening symptoms such as
cough or trouble breathing, with or without a fever, notify your health care
provider immediately.
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 hepatitis C
kidney problems
severe immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders or 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
skin rash
mouth sores
unusual tiredness
abdominal pain
For more detailed information about Arava, ask your health care
provider.
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PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
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