Arava

Arava (leflunomide) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, helping to slow disease progression and improve joint function and pain over time.

Benefits

• Helps relieve symptoms of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
• Slows joint damage and disease progression
• Improves physical function and quality of life
• May be used alone or in combination with other DMARDs
• Once-daily oral dosing for convenience

Dosage

• Loading dose (optional): 100 mg once daily for 3 days
• Maintenance dose: 20 mg once daily
• A reduced dose of 10 mg daily may be used to improve tolerability
• Tablets should be taken at the same time each day, with or without food
• Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with liver impairment

Warnings and Precautions

• Not recommended during pregnancy—can cause severe birth defects
• Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and after treatment until the drug is cleared from the body
• May cause liver toxicity—regular liver function monitoring required
• Can suppress bone marrow function—monitor blood counts regularly
• Increased risk of serious infections due to immune suppression
• Not recommended in patients with severe liver disease or significant immunosuppression

Usage Instructions

• Take exactly as prescribed, once daily
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor
• If treatment needs to be stopped quickly (e.g., for pregnancy), a drug elimination procedure using cholestyramine or activated charcoal may be required
• Keep all scheduled blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts

Storage Information

• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F)
• Protect from moisture and light
• Do not use past expiration date
• Keep out of reach of children

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or indigestion
• Hair thinning
• Rash or skin reactions
• Elevated liver enzymes
• More serious side effects may include liver damage, severe infections, or blood disorders