Common use

Arava is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) containing the active substance leflunomide. This immunosuppressant medication represents a major advancement in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, offering patients meaningful relief from joint inflammation, pain, and progressive joint destruction. When you buy Arava online, you gain access to a proven RA treatment that works at the root cause of the disease rather than simply masking symptoms.

The active metabolite of leflunomide, known as A771726 (teriflunomide), works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme required for the synthesis of pyrimidines, which are essential building blocks of DNA. This antiproliferative effect selectively targets rapidly dividing immune cells, particularly T-lymphocytes, which play a central role in the autoimmune treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. By inhibiting T-lymphocyte proliferation at the G1 stage of the cell cycle, Arava effectively slows the overactive immune response that drives joint inflammation and destruction in RA patients.

As a DMARD, leflunomide does more than reduce symptoms. It actively slows the progression of structural joint damage visible on X-rays, helping preserve joint function and mobility over the long term. Arava generic is prescribed for adults with active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, either as monotherapy or in combination with other immunosuppressant medications. Clinical studies have demonstrated that buy leflunomide therapy produces significant improvements in joint swelling, tenderness, pain, and overall physical function within the first few months of treatment.



Dosage and direction

The recommended initial dose of Arava is 100 mg taken once daily for three days as a loading dose to rapidly achieve therapeutic blood levels. Following this loading period, the maintenance RA treatment dose is 10 to 20 mg of leflunomide once a day, based on your doctor's assessment of disease severity and tolerability. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets.

Arava can be taken with or without food. Consistent daily dosing at approximately the same time each day helps maintain stable blood levels of this DMARD for optimal autoimmune treatment efficacy. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment and may adjust your dose accordingly.



Precautions

If you are pregnant, do not use Arava, as leflunomide is known to cause serious birth defects. Effective birth control is absolutely essential during treatment with this immunosuppressant and must continue until a drug elimination procedure has been completed and verified by blood tests. Both men and women of childbearing potential must use reliable contraception, as this DMARD can affect reproductive health.

Notify your doctor if you have a history of hepatitis, liver or kidney disease, a blood cell disorder such as anemia or low platelets, any type of active infection, tuberculosis history, a bone marrow disorder, or if you take any other medications that weaken the immune system. Because Arava is an immunosuppressant, it may make it easier for you to develop infections. Watch for any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or persistent cough, and contact your doctor immediately if they appear. Avoid contact with people who are sick, and do not receive live vaccinations during treatment.

Special drug elimination treatment with cholestyramine is required when leflunomide therapy is discontinued. Without this accelerated washout procedure, the drug may remain detectable in your body for up to two years due to its long half-life, which is particularly important for women planning pregnancy after stopping this RA treatment.



Contraindications

Arava cannot be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to leflunomide, severe liver failure or significantly impaired liver function, severe immune deficiency conditions including AIDS, bone marrow hematopoiesis disorders (thrombocytopenia, anemia, or leukopenia not associated with rheumatoid arthritis), severe or uncontrolled infections, moderate or severe kidney insufficiency, or severe hypoproteinemia including nephrotic syndrome. This DMARD is strictly contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in adolescents under 18 years of age.



Side effects

The most commonly reported side effects of Arava include diarrhea (the most frequent gastrointestinal complaint), nausea, headache, rash, hair loss or thinning, elevated liver enzymes, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Other adverse reactions associated with leflunomide treatment include infections, high blood pressure, chest pain, tachycardia, fever, malaise, and allergic skin reactions.

Because this immunosuppressant affects the immune system, regular monitoring of liver function tests, complete blood counts, and blood pressure is essential throughout treatment. If you experience jaundice, dark urine, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe abdominal pain, or persistent fever, contact your doctor immediately as these may indicate serious complications requiring prompt medical attention.



Drug interaction

Cholestyramine and activated charcoal significantly decrease absorption and blood levels of Arava, and are used intentionally during the drug elimination procedure. Rifampin, on the contrary, increases blood levels of leflunomide's active metabolite.

Inform your doctor if you take other drugs that suppress the immune system such as methotrexate, cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral), tacrolimus (Prograf), azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), etanercept (Enbrel), sirolimus (Rapamune), basiliximab (Simulect), or muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone). Combining Arava generic with other immunosuppressants increases the risk of serious infections and bone marrow suppression.

It is also important to inform your doctor about treatment with acetaminophen, gold compounds (auranofin, aurothioglucose), ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, captopril), antifungal medications (itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole), statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin), HIV/AIDS medications, NSAIDs, dapsone, erythromycin, or seizure medications, as interactions may affect the safety and efficacy of your joint inflammation treatment.





Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose of leflunomide on time, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take a double dose if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Simply resume your regular dosing schedule. Consistent daily dosing is important for maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of this DMARD in managing rheumatoid arthritis.



Overdose

If you experience signs of overdose such as severe stomach pain, persistent diarrhea, dark urine, easy bruising or bleeding, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), contact your doctor or poison control center immediately. Cholestyramine or activated charcoal may be administered to accelerate elimination of leflunomide from the body in cases of suspected overdose.



Storage

Store Arava at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep in the original packaging until ready to use. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom or in places accessible to children.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.