LEFLUNOMIDE - ORAL (Arava) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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LEFLUNOMIDE-ORAL Index

leflunomide - oral, Arava

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GENERIC NAME: LEFLUNOMIDE - ORAL (leh-FLEW-no-mide)

BRAND NAME(S): Arava

WARNING: Leflunomide must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause serious harm (possibly death) to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. They must also use 2 forms of reliable birth control before starting leflunomide, while taking it, and after stopping it until they have finished taking another drug that helps leflunomide leave the body and confirmed through 2 blood tests that the leflunomide levels are very low (see How to Use section). If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately (see Precautions section).

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Most cases occur within 6 months of taking this drug. If you already have liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), leflunomide should not be used. Liver function (blood) tests must be performed periodically while taking leflunomide. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, light-colored stools, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. See Drug Interactions section.

USES: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. 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).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to prevent rejection of organ transplant.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. You may be instructed to take a higher dose for the first 3 days of treatment.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.After treatment is stopped, a different drug (cholestyramine) may be given as directed to help remove leflunomide from your body. This procedure is used if you need a rapid removal of the drug from your system (e.g., a female/male planning to have children, a person suffering from severe side effects). Without the procedure, the drug may stay in your body for up to 2 years. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.