Product Details: Arava (Leflunomide)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Aventis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine may be used to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, slow the development of damage to the joints, and to improve physical function.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE CAN REMAIN IN THE BODY FOR UP TO 2 YEARS after you stop taking it. If your doctor decides that you are required to stop taking this medicine, a process exists that may help to remove the medicine from your body faster. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take 4 weeks or more to notice any improvement while taking this medicine. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as complete blood counts may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. This medicine rarely has caused serious liver problems, sometimes resulting in death. Problems usually occurred within the first 6 months of treatment and usually in patients with other conditions or taking other medicines that increased their risk for liver problems. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience any sign of liver problems including yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain, especially if you also have a fever. Liver function tests should be done before you start taking this medicine and regularly while you are taking this medicine to monitor for liver problems. Alcohol also increases your risk for liver problems. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) for up to 2 years after stopping this medicine. If you develop a serious infection, your therapy may need to be stopped and you may need to complete the elimination procedure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any sign of infection including fever, usual tiredness, or sore throat. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR MEN: this medicine may cause birth defects in children of men taking this medicine at the time of conception. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control such as condoms while taking this medicine. IF YOU PLAN ON FATHERING A CHILD, talk with your doctor to discuss your treatment plan. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE SEVERE BIRTH DEFECTS. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine. Use a reliable form of birth control while taking this medicine and for 2 years after stopping this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about effective birth control options. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT or if your period is late, contact your doctor immediately. If you plan on becoming pregnant within 2 years of stopping this medicine, you may also need to follow the elimination procedure. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, headache, pain, back pain, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, weight loss, or hair loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, blistering or peeling skin; skin rash; sores or blisters on the inside of eyes, nose, or mouth; fever, sore throat or any other sign of infection; feelings of numbness or tingling; pale skin; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; unusual tiredness; muscle cramps including leg cramps; vomiting; or easy bruising or bleeding. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Leflunomide