Arava product description

Drug uses

Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is characterized by anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antiproliferative action, slowing progressive joint destruction in active rheumatoid arthritis.

Arava tablets are prescribed to adolescents above 18-year-old, adults and elderly patients for the treatment of:

• active psoriatic arthritis
• active rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment is usually recommended to begin with a single Arava dose of 100mg per day to be taken for three consecutive days. In therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the maintaining dose of Arava is advised as 20mg per day.

Arava doses above 20mg /day are not recommended. In case of poor drug tolerability, the daily dose can be reduced to 10mg. Arava administration in elderly patients above 65 years does not require dosage adjustment. Typically, the therapeutic effect of Arava is observed in 4-5 weeks and can be further accumulated for up to 4-6 months.

Missed dose

If the patient has forgotten to take an Arava pill, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is not the time for the next dose of the drug. In case if it is the nearly time to take the next Arava pill, a missed dose is recommended to be skipped, and a succeeding dose to be taken as usual. Patients should not double-up on the next dose, otherwise allergic reactions or side effects may appear.

More information

Arava tablets are prescribed to be swallowed whole with plenty of water. The drug can be taken regardless of food, at the same time every day. During treatment, the patients are recommended to refrain from alcoholic beverages. Arava pills together with alcohol can adversely affect the patient’s liver state.

Storage

Pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor Arava should be stored at room temperature below 25°C in the original package to avoid moisture and light on pills. Do not store Arava in facilities like bathroom or kitchen, or accessible to children.

Arava safety information

Warnings

Arava is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The drug may increase blood pressure in some patients. Arava is contraindicated to patients with severe immunodeficiency states (e.g. AIDS), impairment of liver function, severe hypoproteinemia (e.g. in nephrotic syndrome), significantly impaired bone marrow function.

Coadministration of Arava with activated charcoal may lead to decrease in Arava efficacy. Live vaccines are not recommended to be administered in patients if they are taking Arava.The therapeutic efficacy of Arava can be affected by medications for asthma treatment (theophylline), muscle relaxant medicines (tizanidine), oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine, indometacin, ketoprofen), certain drugs for cancer treatment (daunorubicin, methotrexate).

Disclaimer

Review of immunomodulatory agent Arava is provided here solely for informational purposes. Information about Arava and antirheumatic therapy under no circumstances should be used instead of consultation with the immunologist or rheumatologist. In no event the online pharmacy shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use or inability to use this review about Arava.

Arava side effects

Pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor Arava may cause some adverse reactions; usually they are expressed as nausea, leucopenia, weight loss, musculoskeletal disorder. Certain psychopathological disorders, expressed as asthenia, dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal disturbances - diarrhea and dyspepsia can be observed as well.

Sometimes adverse reactions of Arava can be expressed as paraesthesia and skin disorders, such as mild allergic reactions or rash, and respiratory infections. In addition, hypertension and alopecia are rarely reported during the rheumatoid arthritis treatment with Arava pills.