DRUG TITLE

Arava (Leflunomide)

THE USE OF THE MEDICINE

Arava is used to reduce signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to improve physical function and prevention of structural joint damage.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Use Arava as your doctor prescribed.

• Arava can be used with food or without it.
• It may take 4 weeks or more to the Arava began to act

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The medicine works by blocking certain enzymes responsible for abnormal development or growth of tissue.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss the reception of Arava, take it as soon as possible. If it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed time and return to your normal schedule the reception. Do not take 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Store Arava at room temperature (25 degrees C). Short-term storage at 15 ° to 30 ° C permitted.

• Keep away from heat, moisture and light.

Precautions measures

Do not use Arava if:

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

Contact your doctor immediately if any of this applies to you.

IT IS IMPORTAN:

• Drinking alcohol while taking Arava may increase the risk of liver problems. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Arava.
• Avoid vaccinations, taking Arava.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you notice a skin rash, small blisters over a large part of the body, or damage the eyes, mouth or throat.
• Arava is not recommended for children younger than 18 years. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• Arava can harm the fetus. Arava should not be used during pregnancy or in women who may become pregnant if they do not use reliable forms of birth control. A negative pregnancy test must be obtained prior to treatment with Arava. Contact your doctor immediately if your menstrual period is delayed or if you suspect you are pregnant. After completing therapy, women of childbearing age who are planning to become pregnant must undergo a procedure to flush any remaining drug from the system. Do not breastfeed while taking Arava.

SIDE EFFECTS

Consult your doctor if any of these most common side effects becomes worse:

• back pain, bronchitis, diarrhea, dizziness, dry skin, hair loss, headache, increased cough, indigestion, disorders of the joints, loss of appetite, muscle aches, nausea, runny nose, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infection; vomiting, weakness, weight loss.

Contact your doctor immediately if you find any of these serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering or peeling skin, blisters on the inside of the eye, nose or mouth, chest pain, dark urine , easy bruising / bleeding, numbness or tingling, fever, infections, muscle cramps, including leg cramps, pale skin, pale stools, sore throat, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, vomiting, yellowing eyes or skin.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Arava should be taken by patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.