General Information On Arava
Arava is indicated in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This drug reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling and inflammation of the joints. It also slows the progressive damage to the joints caused by the aforementioned conditions.
The generic name of this drug is Leflunomide. It works by inhibiting the activity of certain immune cells that causes inflammation. Arava inhibits the activity of inflammation-causing immune cells by blocking a certain chemical in the body called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.
In addition to Leflunomide, the active ingredient in the formulation, Arava also contains the following excipients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, crospovidone, polyethylene glycol, yellow ferric oxide, starch, titanium dioxide, talc, and lactose monohydrate. This drug is meant for oral administration only. You can buy Arava in the form of oral tablets.
Side effects of Arava
Arava is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Leflunomide. A hypersensitive reaction to Arava can lead to skin reactions such as skin rashes, facial flushing, hives, or itching of the skin. In severe cases, a hypersensitivity reaction, besides causing skin reaction, may also cause serious side effects such as trouble breathing or swallowing.
Common side effects of Arava include the following: loss of appetite, constipation, bloating, gas, diarrhea, mild abdominal ache, dizziness, headache, stuffy nose, or back pain.
Arava may also cause the following side effects: chest pain, white patches on the lips or inside the mouth, easy bruising, easy or abnormal bleeding, burning sensation or pain while urinating, severe headache, or liver damage (yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, black or tarry stools, stomach pain, or nausea).
Arava is listed as a pregnancy category X drug, which means it can cause fetal abnormalities. Do not use this drug if you are pregnant. If you are found to be pregnant during treatment, you must inform your doctor about it immediately. This drug can cause birth defects irrespective of which parent is using it. While you are using Leflunomide, use adequate birth control measures to avoid pregnancy. After the treatment is over, continue using birth control measures until the drug is completely flushed out of your system.
The safety of this drug in breastfeeding women has not been confirmed fully. You must consult your doctor before using Arava if you are breastfeeding.
Dosage of Arava
The drug is available in the following strengths – Arava 10 mg, Arava 20 mg, and Arava 100 mg. The recommended loading dosage is Arava 100 mg daily for a period of 3 days. The recommended maintenance dosage is Arava 20 mg daily. However, the actual dosage may vary from case to case.
It is important that you take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or treatment period without consulting your doctor. You should store Arava oral tablets at 15°-30°C, away from light and moisture.
Buy Arava from North Drug Store
You can buy Arava (Leflunomide) 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg from North Drug Store, a leading online prescription service. North Drug Store provides a wide range of branded and generic drugs at affordable prices.
