What is the drug Arava used for?
Leflunomide (Arava) is a drug approved to treat adult moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis along with other rheumatic diseases. It belongs to a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which aim to decrease inflammation and permanent damage.
What are the side effects of the drug Arava?
10 Arava side effects you should know about
- Diarrhea. Diarrhea is the most common side effect of Arava.
- Rash. Rash is also a common Arava side effect.
- Hair loss. Hair loss (alopecia) is another common side effect.
- High blood pressure.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Back pain or abdominal pain.
- Liver damage.
Is leflunomide a good drug?
Leflunomide may cause liver damage that can be life-threatening and even cause death. The risk for liver damage is greatest in people taking other medications known to cause liver damage, and in people who already have liver disease.
Is Arava a safe drug?
Arava can cause severe liver problems that may be fatal. This risk is higher if you also take other drugs that cause liver damage. Tell your doctor if you take other drugs that can harm your liver, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). And don’t take Arava if you already have severe liver disease.
Is leflunomide a chemo?
An anticancer drug that works by inhibiting a cancer cell growth factor.
Does Arava help with pain?
Generic Name: leflunomide
Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation).
Does Arava cause weight gain?
However, Arava may cause loss of appetite, which was a rare side effect in trials of the drug. And loss of appetite can lead to weight loss. Keep in mind that weight loss can be a sign of liver damage,* which is a possible serious side effect of Arava.
What does leflunomide do to the body?
In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the immune system attacks parts of your body by mistake. Leflunomide can dampen down the activity of the immune system. This can reduce the inflammation that makes your joints painful, swollen and stiff.
What are the most common side effects of leflunomide?
Side effects and risks
- feeling sick.
- mouth ulcers.
- weight loss.
- stomach pain.
- unusual tiredness.
- headaches.
- dizziness.
- weakness or pins and needles.
Does Arava make you sleepy?
Leflunomide oral tablet does not cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.