Arava (Leflunomide)
Medical information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - December 30, 2020
Arava (Leflunomide) Product Information
Arava is a prescription medication that is prescribed to relieve inflammation, swelling , stiffness and joint pain, in patients who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis. It is a DMARD or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, that works by suppressing your body's immune and inflammatory responses.
Order Arava Online
We carry brand Aravea in 10mg, 20mg, and 100mg doses, manufactured by Sanofi. It is available as a generic as well. Generics are chemically and therapeutically the same as a brand medication, but may contain binder's or inactive ingredients that change the appearance, which could be the shape, taste or color. The Generic of Arava is called Leflunomide and is manufactured by Teva, Torrent, or Apotex.
A prescription is required for processing, and can be forwarded to us directly from your doctor's office. The prescription can be faxed, or called in as a verbal, but if you are given a copy of your prescription from your doctor's office , you can also send it in yourself.
Our fax number is 1-855-766-0006, our phone number is 1-855-776-0079, and the email to send prescriptions to is [email protected]. There is also a feature on our website where you can simply upload a copy as well.
Arava (Leflunomide) Medication Information
Uses
Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with active rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage
There are oral tablets available in several different strengths:
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 100 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Arava include:
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory infection
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
- Abnormal liver enzymes
- Dyspepsia
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
Severe infections (including sepsis), pancytopenia, agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia: Stop Arava and use accelerated elimination procedure. Do not start Arava in patients with active infection. Blood counts should be monitored during treatment.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Stop Arava and use accelerated elimination procedure.
Peripheral neuropathy: If patient develops symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, evaluate patient and consider discontinuing Arava.
Interactions
Some of the common drug interactions with Arava:
- Cimetidine
- Duloxetine
- Ethinylestradiol
- Levonorgestrel
- Paclitaxel
- Penicillin
- Pioglitazone
- Rosuvastatin
- Warfarin
For a more complete list speak with your doctor or pharmacist
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (59º–86ºF) and protect from light.
Pharmacist Tips
- There is potential for fetal harm if Arava is taken during pregnancy. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if a pregnancy occurs or is suspected. Use effective contraception during treatment with Arava and until the active metabolite (teriflunomide) plasma concentration is verified to be less than 0.02 mg/L.
- There is a risk of toxicity to the liver, which requires you to have your blood tested to monitor your liver’s function.
- You cannot have an active infection when you start this medication, and you need to be screened for tuberculosis prior to starting therapy.
Arava FAQs
Can I take this with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Can I take this if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Arava is contraindicated in pregnant women.
Women who take Arava cannot breastfeed.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Arava {package insert}. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2015.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/020905s027lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.