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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