Arava

Common uses

Arava is used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

For women: Do not use Arava if you are pregnant. This medicine was approved to affect unborn baby. Ingredients of Arava stay in your body for 2 years after you stopped taking this medicine. It is recommended not to plan becoming pregnant for 2 years after Arava treatment. Interaction of Arava and Cholestyramine may lead to dangerous consequences. This medicine is not recommended for treatment of patients under 18 years of age. Discuss with your medical specialist all the possible risks using this medicine. It is not recommended to use Arava if you have experienced immune system disorders, hepatitis b or c infections, blood marrow, liver disease or any serious infections.

Directions

Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. Arava should be stored in cool and dark place at a room temperature. If you missed your regular dose, wait for the next scheduled time to take tablet. Do not take two doses at once. Follow the dosing and intake frequency exactly under the prescription of your doctor.

Take this medicine exactly as your medical specialist prescribed. Keep consulting a doctor if you have any questions regarding using of Arava. You may need to pass some additional tests during Arava treatment. Do not stop taking this medicine even if you feel much better. Sometimes using this madicine may lead to serious liver problems within the first 6 months of treatment. Notify your doctor of having first signs of liver disease: yellowing of skin or eyes, stomach pain, fever or dark urine. Call your doctor if you experience any signs of infections, including fever, unusual weakness or sore throat. Try to avoid alcohol drinking during Arava treatment.

Warning for women: Do not take Arava when you are pregnant. This medicine may affect human fetus severely and lead to birth defects. Consult a doctor about reliable birth control remedies. Do not plan to become pregnant within 2 years after you stopped Arava treatment. It is not proved that this medicine is absolutely safe for newborn when you are breast-feeding. Arava may pass into breast milk and affect newborn.

Contact your medical specialist or apply for emergency care if any of side effects listed below took place:

• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
• muscle aches
• weight loss
• hair loss
• runny nose
• chest pain
• skin rash
• fever
• sore throat
• unusually pale skin
• dark urine
• pale stools
• weakness
• vomiting
• abnormal bleeding
• allergy
• itching
• swelling
• dizziness
• difficult breathing

Apply for emergency care or contact your medical specialist if overdose occurred.

Keep this drug away from the reach of children and pets. Do not give this medicine to others whom it was not prescribed.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may cause side effects or neutralize the treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the interaction of Arava and other prescription and over-the-counter medicines.