Prescription Name: Arava

*NOTE* Arava is a medication that should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Please note I don't recommend taking Arava without a prior prescription from your doctor and cannot be held responsible for any problems that occur from taking Arava. This information is provided for information purposes and is not intended as a substitues to professional advice *NOTE*

Active Ingrediant in Arava: leflunomide

Uses for taking Arava

Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow down damage to joints.

Possible Arava Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hair loss
• Rash

Things to be cautious of while taking 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 C
• Kidney problems
• Severe immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders or severe uncontrolled infection.

You must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman of childbearing age not using reliable contraception.

Special Warnings with Arava:

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 you 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:

• Your doctor will conduct liver tests before you start taking Arava and will check your liver's response to Arava every month at first.