Arava
Indicated to manage rheumatoid arthritis to mitigate joint damage.
Strengths: 10 · 20mg
Where to Check Availability
Medicine details
- Conditions
- Therapeutic class
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- Pharmacological class
Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitor
- Minor side effects
diarrhoea; nausea; headache; alopecia
- Moderate side effects
hypertension; elevated liver enzymes; weight loss; rash
- Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
Oral use
- Patient summary
Indicated to manage rheumatoid arthritis to mitigate joint damage.
- Prescription status
POM
- Manufacturer
Sanofi
- Onset Time
4–8 weeks
- Duration
long-term
- Storage instructions
Store below 25°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
hepatotoxic drugs; cholestyramine; activated charcoal
- Age restrictions
Not recommended for those under 18 years.
Contraindications
pregnancy; severe hepatic impairment; severe immunodeficiency; hypersensitivity to leflunomide
Precautions and warnings
regular blood monitoring recommended; monitor liver function; avoid live vaccines during treatment
Serious side effects
severe liver injury — requires immediate medical attention; interstitial lung disease — requires immediate medical attention; severe haematological disorders — requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism of action
Inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which reduces pyrimidine synthesis, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of activated T-lymphocytes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Absolute contraindication; must use strict contraception. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Arava
Indicated to manage rheumatoid arthritis to mitigate joint damage.
Editorial Notes
- Active ingredient(s): Leflunomide
- Listed indication(s): Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis
Usually available as
- 60 tablets - 10 mg205-10-mg-2053
- 60 tablets - 20 mg205-20-mg-2048