| Pharmacy Drug Brand Name: | Aravaź |
| Active Ingredient(s): | leflunomide |
| Strength(s) / Dose(s): | 10mg, 20mg, and 100mg |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Tablets |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | Hoechst Marion Roussel |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only |
| FDA Approval Date *: | September 10, 1998 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Arava used for?
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 Warnings with Arava:
For Women:
- /U>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 (healthcare) 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.
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 or damage including hepatitis B or C
- Kidney problems
- Severe immune system disorders, bone marrow disorders or severe uncontrolled infection.
What are some possible side effects of Arava? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Arava. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug.)
- Diarrhea
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Hair loss
- Rash