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 prevents the development of structural damage to it.

How it is taken

The best way to take Arava is as recommended by your doctor. However, it may be taken with or without a meal. It may take up to 4 weeks or more before you start seeing any improvement in your condition.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Arava, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, then seek medical care immediately.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, have a weakened immune system, blood or bone marrow disorders, an infection, or have recently received a vaccination, if you have hepatitis B or C or other liver problems, kidney problems, or drink alcoholic beverages.

Women must maintain utmost caution while taking Arava. You must not take the drug if you are pregnant. Alternatively, you must not become pregnant while taking the drug.

The drug can cause serious birth defects in the fetus.

If you are having sex while using the drug, then use at least 2 different types of contraceptives 1 month before, during and 1 month after using Arava to prevent a pregnancy.

If you think you are pregnant or miss your menstrual periods, then stop using the drug and contact your medical practitioner immediately.

Even after completing treatment with Arava, if you plan to become pregnant, then you must undergo a procedure whereby any remaining traces of the medicine are flushed out of your system.

Arava can cause birth defects in the children of men taking the drug while conception. So use reliable birth control methods (e.g., condoms) while using Arava.

If you are thinking about parenthood, then talk to your doctor about stopping Arava.

Certain drugs can interact with Arava and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Do not consume alcohol while taking the drug.

Avoid receiving vaccinations while taking the drug. If you develop side effects like skin rash, small blisters over a large portion of the body, or lesions around the eyes, mouth, or throat, then contact your doctor immediately.

Periodic lab tests including a liver function may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Some of the possible side effects of Arava are 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.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bruising or bleeding more easily, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, fainting, fever or sore throat, hoarseness, blistering or peeling skin, blisters on the inside of eyes, nose, or mouth, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, stomach pain or tenderness, muscle cramps, including leg cramps, fever, pale stools, sore throat, unusual tiredness or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.