Healthy Bones

Arava (Leflunomide)

Arava is used for reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to improve physical function and to prevent the development of structural damage to the joints.

Use Arava as directed by your doctor.

• Arava may be taken with or without food.
• It may take 4 weeks or more to notice any improvement while taking Arava.

Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. It is thought to work by blocking certain enzymes responsible for abnormal tissue development or growth.

If you miss a dose of Arava , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light.

Do not use Arava if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Arava;
• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• Drinking alcohol while you are taking Arava may increase the risk of liver problems. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Arava.
• Avoid receiving vaccines while taking Arava.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, small blisters over a large portion of the body, or lesions around the eyes, mouth, or throat.
• Arava is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• Arava may cause harm to the fetus. Arava must not be used during pregnancy, or by women who are able to become pregnant unless they are using reliable forms of birth control. A negative pregnancy test must be obtained before the start of treatment with Arava . Contact your health care provider at once if your menstrual flow is delayed or if you suspect that you are pregnant. After completing therapy, women of childbearing potential who plan to become pregnant must undergo a procedure to flush any remaining medicine out of the body system. It is unknown if Arava is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Arava.