Arava® | Arava (Leflunomide) - 10mg (3 Tablets)

What is Arava (Leflunomide)?

• Arava (Leflunomide) affects the immune system and decreases inflammation.
• Arava (Leflunomide) is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, reduce damage to the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis, and to improve physical function in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Arava (Leflunomide) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Arava (Leflunomide)?

Take Arava (Leflunomide) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Arava (Leflunomide) can be taken with or without food or milk.

It is important to take Arava (Leflunomide) regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations while taking leflunomide to monitor side effects and progress.

Store Arava (Leflunomide) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Arava (Leflunomide) overdose may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood problems, and liver problems.

What should I avoid while taking Arava (Leflunomide)?

Discuss with your doctor the use of alcohol while taking Arava (Leflunomide). Alcohol and Arava (Leflunomide) can both be damaging to the liver.

Arava (Leflunomide) can lower the activity of the immune system making you more susceptible to infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses.

In addition, do not receive vaccines that contain a live strain of the virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) and avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live virus.

Arava (Leflunomide) side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Arava (Leflunomide) and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• changes in liver function (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale colored stools or dark colored urine; unusual fatigue; or abdominal pain);
• decreased bone marrow function or blood problems (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as extreme or unusual fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); or
• skin rash; or
• sores in the mouth.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Arava (Leflunomide) and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;
• increased blood pressure;
• muscle aches;
• nausea;
• diarrhea; or
• hair loss.