What is Arava used for?
Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid
arthritis in adults to reduce signs and symptoms, slow down
damage to joints, and improve physical function. Arava is not
indicated in children or adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis.
Who should not take Arava?
You must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman of
childbearing age not using reliable contraception.
Special Warning(s) with Arava:
For Women:
- You must not take Arava if you are
pregnant or a woman of childbearing age not using reliable
contraception because in animal studies Arava has been shown
to cause birth defects to the fetus.
- You must avoid becoming pregnant while
being treated with Arava. If you suspect or find out that
you are pregnant while taking Arava, call your health care
provider right away.
- After stopping Arava treatment, you
must complete the drug elimination procedure before becoming
pregnant because Arava stays in the body a long time.
- You should not breast-feed if you are
taking Arava.
For Men:
- If there is any possibility your
partner could become pregnant, you should stop Arava
treatment and go through the drug elimination procedure
prescribed by your doctor.
For All Patients:
·
Rare cases of severe liver injury, including
death, have been reported by patients taking Arava. Your
doctor will conduct liver tests before you start taking Arava
and will check your liver's response to Arava monthly for the
first six months and then, if unchanged, every 6 to 8 weeks
thereafter.
·
Interstitial lung disease (an inflammation of
lung tissue) has been reported in patients taking Arava. If
you develop new or worsening symptoms such as cough or trouble
breathing, with or without a fever, notify your health care
provider immediately.
General Precautions with Arava:
If you have the following conditions or if you are being
treated with medications that can be harmful to your liver,
Arava may not be right for you:
- liver disease including hepatitis B or
hepatitis C
- kidney problems
- severe immune system disorders, bone
marrow disorders or uncontrolled infection.
What are some possible side effects of Arava? (This
is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Arava. Your
health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list
of side effects.)
- diarrhea
- elevated liver enzymes
- hair loss
- skin rash
- mouth sores
- unusual tiredness
- abdominal pain
For more detailed information about Arava, ask your health
care provider.
Link to
Arava's Approved Labeling and Patient Information
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