Description
Active Ingredient
The active component in the medicine is Leflunomide, which is a derivative of isoxazole used for its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. It is converted to an active metabolite, which blocks dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, to prevent the expansion of activated T lymphocytes. It inhibits various protein tyrosine kinases, such as protein kinase C to inhibit cell proliferation.
Indications
This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body’s defense system fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. This medicine helps to reduce joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. Arava works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling.
Action Mechanism
Leflunomide-composed medicine Arava reduces inflammation in the joints that are responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. It reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused by arthritis. It reduces inflammation by suppressing the activity of immune cells responsible for the inflammation. It suppresses immune cells by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that is necessary for the production of DNA and RNA. Without DNA and RNA the immune cells cannot multiply or function.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Hypertension
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Bronchitis
- Dyspepsia
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Alopecia
- Back Pain
- Dizziness
- Skin Rash
- Weight Loss
- Headache Disorder
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain With Cramps
- Hepatitis
- Anemia
- Symptoms Of Anxiety
- Conjunctivitis
- Pharyngitis
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Xerostomia
- Aphthous Stomatitis
- Gastritis
- Gastroenteritis
- Constipation
- Pruritus Of Skin
- Acne Vulgaris
- Tenosynovitis
- Synovitis
- Fever
- General Weakness
- Malaise
- Paresthesia
- Anorexia
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Dyspnea
- Chest Pain
- Flatulence
- Bacterial Sepsis
- Severe Infection
- Pancytopenia
- Thrombocytopenic Disorder
- Agranulocytosis
- Leukopenia
- Neutropenic Disorder
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Vasculitis
- Interstitial Pneumonitis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Eosinophilia
- Erythema Multiforme
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Dry Skin
- Arthralgia
- Cramps In Legs
- Flu-Like Symptoms
- Epistaxis
- Cough
- Abnormal Hepatic Function Tests
- Angioedema
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Reactivated Tuberculosis
- Hepatic Failure
- Dress Syndrome
- Colitis
- Pancreatitis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Hyperbilirubinemia
Serious Side Effects, including:
- Cough
- Numbness/tingling of hands/feet
- Hair loss
- Chest pain
- Fast/pounding heartbeat
- Increased thirst/urination
- Muscle cramp/pain
- Mental/mood changes
- Vision changes
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Unusual growths/lumps
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual tiredness
Serious Allergic Reactions to this drug, including:
- Rash
- Itching/swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Interactions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you’ve had:
- Immune system disorder (e.g., HIV infection)
- Current/recent infection (e.g., tuberculosis)
- Cancer
- Bone marrow/blood disorder
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis B or C)
- Alcohol abuse
- Heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure)
- High blood pressure
- Lung disease
Products Interaction with this drug:
- Warfarin
- Rifamycins (e.g., rifampin)
- Drugs affecting the liver (e.g., methotrexate)
- Cholestyramine
- Other drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., tacrolimus, cyclosporine)
Warnings
Necessary warning
- Warning: Don’t use if you are pregnant, suspect that you are pregnant, or while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- While using this medication avoid getting pregnant or don’t use it when pregnant/nursing
- Try not to skip doses
- Inform the doctor your complete medical history
- Call MD if new abdominal pain/yellowing eyes/skin
- If you get a rash, call your doctor immediately
Dosages
This medication is available for oral consumption and in dosage as mentioned below:
- 10 mg: It is to be taken with or without food, usually once a day or as directed by the doctor
- 20 mg: Take this medication once a day before or after a meal as advised by the doctor.
Alternatives Of Generic Arava
Note
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
FAQ’s
What is Arava?
Arava (leflunomide) affects the immune system and reduces swelling and inflammation in the body. It is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Arava used for?
Arava is primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints. It helps alleviate symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Additionally, Arava may also be prescribed for other autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in some cases.
How does Arava work?
The medicine works by suppressing the blood cells that cause inflammation.
What are the side effects of Arava?
Common side effects of Arava may include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, hair loss, and headache. More serious side effects can include liver problems, lung problems, and a decrease in blood cell counts. Notifying your healthcare professional of any unexpected symptoms as soon as possible is crucial.
What is Arava prescribed for?
Arava is prescribed primarily for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or who have severe disease. It is also used to manage symptoms of other autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when conventional therapies have been ineffective. Your doctor will determine if Arava is appropriate for your specific condition and medical history.
How to take Arava medicine?
Arava is consumed only once a day. They are 10 or 20mg each and the usual dose is 20 mg per day. Follow the doctor’s directions. Do not take more or less medicine than prescribed. This medicine can be taken with food.
What about other medications affects Arava consumption?
Arava is often added to current medicines for better control of the disease. Do not stop consuming other medications unless directed by a doctor.
Can Arava cause hair loss?
Arava may cause negative effects, including hair loss.. While not everyone experiences this side effect, some individuals may notice increased hair shedding while taking the medication. If hair loss becomes bothersome or severe, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Can Arava be used in elderly patients?
Arava can be used in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but caution may be needed due to age-related changes in liver and kidney function. Dose adjustments or closer monitoring may be necessary in older adults to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Can Arava be stopped suddenly?
It’s important not to stop taking Arava suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Abrupt discontinuation of Arava can lead to disease flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to safely taper off the medication if necessary.
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