Category: Arthritis

Drug Uses

Arava is a drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling of the joints and also improves its functioning.

Usage

Take Arava exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may take it with or without a meal. The dosage will be reduced after 3 days of starting treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Store it at room temperature away from direct exposure to heat and light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of an Arava overdose include abdominal pain, anemia, blood disorders, diarrhea and liver problems. If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Arava may be damaging to the liver and also effect the immunity of your body. It is not recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from people with cancer, bone marrow problems, severe infections or AIDS. Consult with your doctor before starting treatment if you suffer from any of the above mentioned conditions.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Arava if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Arava;
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:
Drinking alcohol while you are taking Arava may increase the risk of liver problems. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Arava.
Avoid receiving vaccines while taking Arava.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, small blisters over a large portion of the body, or lesions around the eyes, mouth, or throat.
Arava is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
Arava may cause harm to the fetus. Arava must not be used during pregnancy, or by women who are able to become pregnant unless they are using reliable forms of birth control. A negative pregnancy test must be obtained before the start of treatment with Arava . Contact your health care provider at once if your menstrual flow is delayed or if you suspect that you are pregnant. After completing therapy, women of childbearing potential who plan to become pregnant must undergo a procedure to flush any remaining medicine out of the body system. It is unknown if Arava is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Arava.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

back pain; bronchitis; diarrhea; dizziness; dry skin; hair loss; headache; increased cough; indigestion; joint disorder; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; runny nose; sinus infection; upper respiratory tract infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur :

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering or peeling skin; blisters on the inside of eyes, nose, or mouth; chest pain; dark urine; easy bruising/bleeding; feelings of numbness or tingling; fever; infection; muscle cramps, including leg cramps; pale skin; pale stools; sore throat; stomach pain; unusual tiredness; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
More Information

Arava is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.