Arava |
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Arava (generic name: leflunomide) is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused by the arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation by suppressing the activity of immune cells responsible for the inflammation. Leflunomide suppresses immune cells by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that is necessary for the production of DNA and RNA. Without DNA and RNA the immune cells (and most other types of cells) cannot multiply or function (or exist). Because of its unique and different mechanism of action, leflunomide is of value when added to other medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide was approved by the FDA in September, 1998.
Key words: arava 20, arava institute, arava mg, arava israel, arava side, effects arava, and arava.
| Dosage |
Packing |
Price |
Add to basket |
| 10 mg |
30 tab |
USD 219.00 |
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| 20 mg |
30 tab |
USD 229.00 |
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| 100 mg |
3 tab |
USD 106.00 |
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Arava generic (generic - what is it?)
| Dosage |
Packing |
Price |
Add to basket |
| 10 mg |
100 tab |
USD 133.00 |
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| 20 mg |
100 tab |
USD 179.00 |
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Arava: Medications and Prescriptions
Generic name: Leflunomide
Product Brand Name: Arava
Product Manufacturer: Sanofi-Aventis (Germany)
Arava description
Why is this drug prescribed?
Arava is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling associated with this disease, and staves off the joint damage that ultimately results.
Most important fact about this drug
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.
How should you take this medication?
Your dosage of Arava will be decreased after the first 3 days. Never take more than your doctor prescribes. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Arava.
· More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, hair loss, headache, high blood pressure, indigestion, itching, joint disorders, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, nausea, rash, respiratory infection, sore throat, stomach inflammation, tendon inflammation, urinary tract infection, vomiting, weakness, weight loss.
· Less common side effects may include:
Abscess, acne, allergic reaction, anemia, angina, anxiety, asthma, blood in the urine, blurred vision, bone pain, bruising, bursitis, cataracts, chest pain, colitis, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, cysts, depression, dermatitis, diabetes, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, dry skin, eczema, eye problems, fever, flu-like symptoms, frequent urination, fungal infection of the mouth, fungal infection of the skin, gallstones, gas, general feeling of illness, gingivitis, hair discoloration, hernia, herpes infection, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, joint pain and inflammation, leg cramps, lung problems, menstrual disorders, migraine, mouth and throat inflammation, muscle aches, muscle cramps, nail disorders, nasal inflammation, neck pain, nosebleeds, prostate disorder, rapid heartbeat, sinus inflammation, skin bumps, pain, painful urination, palpitations, pelvic pain, pneumonia, purple spots on skin, skin discoloration, skin tingling, skin ulcers, sleep disorders, sweating, swelling, tarry stools, taste problems, tooth problems, vaginal fungal infection, varicose veins, vertigo
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Remember that you must not take Arava if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You'll also need to avoid this drug if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about this medication
Arava is potentially damaging to the liver. Your doctor will test your liver function before starting Arava therapy, and will conduct monthly blood tests for a while after therapy begins. If you have significant liver disease, including hepatitis, you'll be unable to take Arava. If you develop liver problems while taking the drug, your dose will have to be reduced or eliminated. Theoretically, Arava may interfere with the body's ability to fight off infection. The drug is therefore not recommended for people with cancer, bone marrow problems, severe infections, AIDS, or any other immune system problems. You should also avoid immunization with live vaccines while taking Arava. Arava has been known to cause rare but serious skin reactions. If you develop a skin rash or eruption, stop taking Arava and contact your doctor. Arava can also reduce your blood cell count. Notify your doctor promptly if any signs of this problem appear. Warnings include easy bruising, frequent infections, unusual fatigue, and paleness. Poor kidney function can increase the amount of Arava in your system. Your doctor will prescribe the drug cautiously if you're subject to kidney problems. Arava does not appear to cause fetal harm when taken by the father prior to conception. Nevertheless, if you plan to father a child, your doctor will instruct you to stop taking Arava and will prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine to clear Arava from your system.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Arava is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arava with the following:
Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not take Arava while pregnant or breastfeeding. Taken during pregnancy, the drug can cause birth defects. And although it is not known whether Arava appears in breast milk, there is good reason to suspect that it will cause serious side effects in nursing infants.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS:
The recommended starting dose is one 100-milligram tablet daily for the first 3 days. The doctor will then reduce the dose to 20 milligrams a day. If side effects appear, the dose may be further decreased to 10 milligrams a day.
CHILDREN:
Arava is not recommended for children less than 18 years old.
Overdosage
Little is known about the effects of an overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have dangerous consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Arava, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Caution! Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.
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Arava notes:
Approved by the FDA, Arava 20 is an oral medication that is prescribed for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as Leflunomide, this disease-modifying drug helps in reducing inflammation in the joints that leads to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, and swelling along with the destruction of joints. While reducing the symptoms, it even reduces the progressive deformities of the joints that are caused by the arthritis. It also decreases inflammation by suppressing the activity of immune cells that cause inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase that is highly essential for the production of DNA and RNA. Arava mg dosage has to be taken only under proper prescription.
Arava should not be consumed by pregnant women as it can harm the developing baby. People who are in their childbearing years should also consult their doctor before starting on Arava. Using trustworthy contraceptive measures is also recommended while taking the drug. Pregnant women are advised to stop the drug right away and your doctor will prescribe a treatment of cholestyramine (Questran) in 8-gram doses 3 and Arava will be cleared from your bloodstream, thereby preventing the harmful effects of arava to the unborn child.
Some of the common arava side effects of the drug are bronchitis, Abdominal pain, back pain, cough, dizziness, diarrhea, hair loss, headache, indigestion, high blood pressure etc. some less common effects arava are joint disorders, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, mouth ulcers, respiratory infection, rash, sore throat, tendon inflammation, stomach inflammation, urinary tract infection, weakness, vomiting and weight loss.
Ant-Aging news
Fatty women need to change food attitude – A study
A recent study of middle-aged women has revealed that impulsive eaters and those too busy to focus on food are the most likely to show signs of obesity. The study published in Health Education & Behavior journal distributed 200 women into five groups based on their attitudes about food. The average age of women in the participation was 46 who were well-educated and 86 percent of the total participation were white.
The researchers then compared the groups of women by measurements such as percentage of body fat, waist size and body mass index (BMI). The women who concerned about nutrition and focused on food for their families scored the lowest in the weight categories while the impulsive eaters scored highest in weight categories. Women with the busy cooking avoiders attitude shows the result that was in between the other two groups.
According to Degeneffe who is a research fellow at the University of Minnesota's Food Industry Center said that women in the middle group tend to lead busy lifestyles and are often preoccupied with other activities and responsibilities and usually takes food on a back seat. Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian and author in New York City was found saying that women who have a big responsibility to take care of their families take less care of themselves in context of food. She had urged such women to take proper food as it helps them to feel rewarded and cope with their lives.
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Drug category:Antirheumatic
 Arava
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