Arava (generic name: leflunomide; brand names include: Lefra, Lefutoid, Lefunol, Lefumide, Cleft) is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).

Arava is used for reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis including joint tenderness, swelling, pain, and morning stiffness. It also helps reduce joint damage and improves physical functioning.

Arava is the only oral DMARD indicated to improve physical function.

Unlike many symptom relievers that only help relieve pain and swelling, Arava actually helps slow the progression of joint damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Arava works by selectively interfering with the ability of white blood cells called lymphocytes to produce the disease response that ultimately leads to pain, inflammation and joint damage.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Arava exactly as directed.

The standard dose for this medicine is one 100mg tablet per day for the first 3 days, and after that one 10mg or 20mg tablet daily. The dosage depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

Arava may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. It may take 4 weeks or more to notice any improvement while taking Arava. Do not stop taking Arava, or lower the dosage, without checking with your doctor.

You must not become pregnant while taking Arava and for a certain period of time after stopping Arava.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

Keep this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Arava, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have liver, kidney or blood problems, or you have chronic infections;
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: leflunomide.