What
is Arava used for? Arava is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults
to reduce signs and symptoms and to slow down damage to joints.
Who
should not take Arava? You must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman
of childbearing age not using reliable contraception.
Special
Warnings with Arava:
For
Women:
You
must not take Arava if you are pregnant or a woman of childbearing age not using
reliable contraception, because in animal studies Arava has been shown to cause
birth defects to the fetus. You must avoid becoming pregnant while being treated
with Arava. If you suspect or find out that you are pregnant while taking Arava
call you health care provider right away. After stopping Arava treatment you
must complete the drug elimination procedure before becoming pregnant because
Arava stays in the body a long time. You should not breast-feed if you are
taking Arava. For Men:
If
there is any possibility your partner could become pregnant, you should stop Arava
treatment and go through the drug elimination procedure prescribed by your doctor.
For All Patients:
Your
doctor will conduct liver tests before you start taking Arava and will check your
liver's response to Arava every month at first.
General
Precautions with Arava:
If
you have the following conditions or if you are being treated with medications
that can be harmful to your liver Arava may not be right for you:
Liver
disease including hepatitis B or C Kidney problems Severe immune system
disorders, bone marrow disorders or severe uncontrolled infection. What are
some possible side effects of Arava? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects
reported with Arava. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete
list of side effects.)
Diarrhea
Elevated liver enzymes Hair loss Rash For more detailed information
about Arava, ask your health care provider.
*Many cases are in
the investigative stages, but make a complaint now and your case can be evaluated.
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