What is Arava?
Arava is a type of medication called a “disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
or DMARD.”How
does Arava work?
Arava works to modify the disease. Arava cannot cure RA, but it can help
control the symptoms and progression of the disease.
How is Arava different
from other RA medications?
Arava works differently than other available medications by affecting a
unique stage in the disease process.
How do I know if Arava is
working?
You may begin to experience an improvement in joint swelling and tenderness
after about 4 weeks.
How often do I need to
take Arava?
You’ll only need to take Arava once a day. It works best if you take it at
the same time every day.
Should I take Arava with
food?
Arava can be taken with or without food.
How long will I need to
take Arava?
Remember, there is no cure for RA, but Arava can help improve the signs and
symptoms and slow down joint damage. You must follow your doctor’s
instructions for taking Arava. Most people have to take RA medications for
the rest of their lives. If you do not follow the treatment program, Arava
will not be able to work properly, which may lead to worsening symptoms.
IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
Can I take Arava if I am
pregnant or wish to become pregnant?
No. Your doctor will verify that you are not pregnant before starting Arava,
and will counsel you on the risk of birth defects if you become pregnant
while taking Arava.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
WARNING: Arava must not be used in pregnant women or women who can become
pregnant who are not using reliable birth control because Arava may increase
the risk of birth defects. You may be at increased risk of death of your
unborn child or of having a baby with a birth defect if:
- You are pregnant when
you start taking Arava
- You become pregnant
while you are taking Arava, or
- You do not wait to
become pregnant until you have stopped taking Arava and followed the drug
elimination procedure described below.
If you are currently
taking Arava or have discontinued Arava and are going through the required
drug elimination procedure, you and your partner should take every
precaution to avoid becoming pregnant, such as both partners using reliable
birth control as recommended by your doctor. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you
contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY if your menstrual period is at all late or
if for any other reason you believe you may be pregnant.
If you discontinue Arava
treatment for any reason, you should undergo the drug elimination procedure
described below.
Drug Elimination
Procedure
After discontinuing Arava,
your doctor will prescribe a drug elimination procedure consisting of a full
11-day course of drug elimination medication followed by 2 separate
laboratory blood tests at least 14 days apart to assure a very low drug
level in your body. If your drug levels are too high, your doctor may
recommend additional drug elimination medication.
After the drug elimination
procedure, your risk of having a baby with a birth defect is very low and
should be no higher than the risk in the general population. If you do not
follow the drug elimination procedure, it could take up to 2 years to reach
this very low drug level in your blood.
Can I take Arava if I wish
to father a child?
Available information does not suggest that Arava taken by the father would
be associated with an increased risk to the unborn child. To minimize any
possible risk, men wishing to father a child should consider discontinuing
use of Arava and taking cholestyramine 8 grams 3 times daily for 11 days.
Who else should not take
Arava?
People who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the product must
not take Arava.
- Arava should not be
used by nursing mothers.
- Arava is not
recommended for patients with serious immune deficiencies or severe
uncontrolled infections.
- If you have other
diseases such as kidney problems, tell your doctor.
How might Arava affect my
liver?
Arava can cause an increase in liver enzymes. Therefore, your doctor will
monitor your liver enzyme blood test to check for problems and adjust or
discontinue your dose if necessary. Arava is not recommended in patients
with significant liver disease or hepatitis B or C.
Does Arava cause any side
effects?
In clinical trials the most common side effects were: diarrhea, high liver
enzymes, loss or thinning of hair, or rash. Your doctor may recommend
medication if you develop gastrointestinal (stomach/digestive) problems.
However, you may experience other less frequent side effects not listed
here. If you notice any of the listed side effects or any other problems,
talk with your doctor. Arava is not recommended in patients with significant
liver disease or hepatitis B or C.
What if I am taking other
medications?
Let your doctor know about all of the medications you are taking. Most
medications can be given with Arava.
Be sure to tell your
doctor if you are taking cholestyramine, methotrexate, or rifampin.
If you have additional
questions about Arava, please talk with your doctor.
Click here for additional
important information about Arava™.
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