Arava® Tablets for Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Arava Is and How It Works

Arava® is a disease-modifying antirheumatic medicine for adult rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces joint inflammation by limiting the growth of activated immune cells that drive ongoing damage. You can access it with US delivery from Canada through our network, and many compare Arava price without insurance to plan out-of-pocket needs.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing. This medicine contains leflunomide, which is converted to an active metabolite that inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. That mechanism lowers T-cell proliferation, which may help reduce swelling, pain, and morning stiffness. Review the official label for complete details before starting therapy.

Who It’s For

Arava for rheumatoid arthritis is indicated for adults to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow structural joint damage. It may be used alone or alongside other non-biologic treatments when appropriate. People with severe active infections, significant liver disease, or known hypersensitivity to leflunomide should avoid use. It is contraindicated in pregnancy. People who could become pregnant, or men planning to father a child, should discuss washout procedures with a prescriber before conception.

If you are newly diagnosed or evaluating options, explore our overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis and this article on Early Signs Of Rheumatoid for supportive context.

Dosage and Usage

This treatment is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water. Many regimens include a short initial period followed by a maintenance schedule, as outlined on the official label. Talk with your healthcare professional about lab monitoring and how to take Arava medication consistently at the same time each day. Avoid doubling up if a dose is missed; see guidance below instead.

Your prescriber may coordinate baseline and periodic liver function tests, blood counts, and blood pressure checks. Report any severe or persistent diarrhea, unusual fatigue, or yellowing of the skin right away. Do not start new medicines, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, without confirming compatibility.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are available in commonly published strengths such as 10 mg and 20 mg. Generic leflunomide options may be dispensed when your prescription allows. Availability can vary by manufacturer and batch. If your prescription specifies a brand or a generic, we will follow that instruction. For those comparing choices, many patients use Leflunomide 20 mg tablets as part of a maintenance plan when tolerated.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled time. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed tablet and resume your usual schedule. Do not take extra tablets to make up a missed dose. If you miss several doses, contact your prescriber for guidance. Try setting reminders on your phone or using a daily pill organizer to support routine use.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, away from excess moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are damaged or expired. When traveling, carry your medication in hand luggage with the original labeled container and a copy of your prescription. Allow extra time for security screening. If you cross time zones, maintain a consistent daily interval rather than the exact clock time until you re-establish a regular schedule. A simple travel note from your prescriber can help if questions arise during transit.

Benefits

As a disease-modifying therapy, this medicine can help reduce joint tenderness and swelling and may slow disease progression. It is taken once daily, which many find manageable. Compared with some injectable options, tablets can simplify routines and reduce device handling. People who tolerate therapy often appreciate the steady, one-pill schedule.

• Once-daily oral dosing
• Helps reduce inflammation
• May slow joint damage
• Fits alongside other RA care

Some patients compare Arava tablets with other disease-modifying options to find a regimen they can stick with over time. Your clinician will consider your medical history, other medicines, and lab results before recommending a plan.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects can include gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain. Headache, dizziness, skin rash, itching, hair thinning, and mild increases in liver enzymes may occur. Upper respiratory symptoms and increases in blood pressure have also been reported. Many effects are mild and improve with time or supportive care.

Serious risks can include severe liver injury, severe infections, interstitial lung disease, peripheral neuropathy, and severe skin reactions. This medicine is teratogenic. Effective contraception is essential during treatment and until drug elimination is confirmed. If toxicity or pregnancy occurs, prescribers may recommend a cholestyramine washout to speed clearance. Contact a clinician urgently if you develop yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, shortness of breath, severe rash, or signs of infection.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take. Concomitant use with other hepatotoxic agents can increase liver risk. Methotrexate and this therapy together may raise the chance of liver enzyme elevations, so additional monitoring is common if used in combination. Rifampin and other inducers can alter levels of the active metabolite. Warfarin dosing may require closer INR checks due to potential interaction. Live vaccines are typically avoided during immunosuppressive therapy; non-live vaccines can be considered after discussion with a clinician.

Limit alcohol, because combined liver effects can be harmful. Cholestyramine or activated charcoal can reduce drug levels and are used in specific situations under medical supervision. For pain flares, your prescriber may discuss nonsteroidal options; see our article Meloxicam 15 Mg Uses and a broader overview in Celebrex And Arthritis to learn more about that class. For background on another csDMARD, read What Does Plaquenil Do.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptom improvement with a disease-modifying therapy is gradual. Your clinician will track progress by symptoms, function, and labs rather than day-to-day changes. Consistent daily use and scheduled monitoring help assess benefit and safety. If you experience adverse effects, do not stop suddenly without speaking with your prescriber. A documented plan, including washout steps when needed, supports safe adjustments. Consider journaling morning stiffness, fatigue, and activity levels to support informed follow-ups.

Compare With Alternatives

For some people, a different class may suit their history or lab profile. Oral JAK inhibitors are one option; see Taro Tofacitinib Xr for an example that some prescribers consider after conventional therapy. Others may be steered toward a TNF inhibitor if appropriate; review Enbrel Pre Filled Syringe as a well-known injectable alternative. Choice depends on prior response, comorbidities, and monitoring needs.

Pricing and Access

We make Canadian-sourced options available with Leflunomide price shown transparently on the product page. You can browse supply choices and request your prescriber to send a prescription for review. We support US shipping from Canada with clear tracking and customer support. Checkout is secure with encrypted checkout, and our team coordinates verification before dispensing. To see other RA options, explore our Immunology category.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and manufacturers can vary. If the requested brand is not available, your prescriber may recommend a generic substitution when appropriate. We follow the prescription as written. If supply is constrained, we can notify you so you and your clinician can consider alternatives that align with your medical plan. Visit our condition page for updates across related therapies, including Psoriatic Arthritis when relevant to your care.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine is not appropriate in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Severe liver impairment, serious active infections, or previous severe reactions are important reasons to avoid use. Your clinician will evaluate blood pressure, liver enzymes, and blood counts as part of routine care. People planning a pregnancy should discuss washout and timing long in advance.

To manage out-of-pocket costs, ask your prescriber about multi-month fills and synchronize refills to reduce pharmacy fees. Set calendar reminders or use the pharmacy’s notification tools so you do not run out unexpectedly. Some patients review Leflunomide cost without insurance alongside clinical plans to choose a sustainable option. If your clinician agrees, generics may offer value while maintaining the same active ingredient.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting goals: what signs will show this therapy is helping
• Monitoring plan: how often to check labs and blood pressure
• Family planning: washout timing and contraception guidance
• Vaccinations: which vaccines are suitable during therapy
• Interactions: which medicines or supplements to avoid
• Side effects: which symptoms require urgent attention
• Travel: steps to keep dosing steady across time zones

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

Manufacturer Site

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? You can place your request online with prompt, express shipping and reliable US delivery from Canada. Always use as directed by your prescriber. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.