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Arava |
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What is Arava and why is it 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. 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 will 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 Arava? Follow your doctors directions for taking Arava. 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 two doses at the same time. Store Arava at room temperature away from light. Are there any Arava side effects? Arava side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Arava 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, and weight loss. Less common Arava 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, 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, and vertigo. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Arava? If Arava is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arava with Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater), or Tolbutamide (Orinase). Are there any special warnings about Arava? 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. |
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