Arava is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling associated with this disease, improves physical function, and staves off the joint damage that ultimately results.
You MUST NOT take Arava if you are pregnant; it can harm the developing baby. If you are still in your childbearing years, your doctor will want to see negative results from a pregnancy test before starting you on Arava. You'll also need to use reliable contraceptive measures as long as you take the drug.
If you become pregnant while taking Arava, your doctor will stop the drug immediately and prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine (Questran) in 8-gram doses 3 times a day for 11 days. Questran helps to clear Arava from the bloodstream, possibly preventing harm to the unborn child.
- weight loss;
- weakness;
- vomiting;
- urinary tract infection;
- tendon inflammation;
- stomach inflammation;
- sore throat;
- respiratory infection;
- rash;
- nausea;
- mouth ulcers;
- loss of appetite;
- joint disorders;
- itching;
- indigestion;
- high blood pressure;
- headache;
- hair loss;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- cough;
- bronchitis;
- back pain;
- abdominal pain;
ADULTS
The recommended starting dose is one 100-mg tablet daily for the first 3 days. If you have an increased risk for blood disorders or liver problems, your doctor may choose to eliminate the 100-mg starting dose to reduce the risk of serious side effects.
After the first 3 days, the doctor will reduce the dose to 20 mg a day. If side effects appear, the dose may be further decreased to 10 mg a day.
CHILDREN
Arava is not recommended for children less than 18 years old.
