Arava is used for:

Reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to improve physical function and to prevent the development of structural damage to the joints.

Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. It is thought to work by blocking certain enzymes responsible for abnormal tissue development or growth.

Do NOT use Arava if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Arava
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Arava :

Some medical conditions may interact with Arava . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a weakened immune system, blood or bone marrow disorders, an infection, or have recently received a vaccination
if you have hepatitis B or C or other liver problems, kidney problems, or drink alcoholic beverages

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Arava . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Cholestyramine because the effectiveness of Arava may be decreased
Methotrexate or rifampin because side effects, including liver toxicity, headache, and muscle pains, may occur
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Arava

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Arava may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Arava :

Use Arava as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Arava may be taken with or without food.
It may take 4 weeks or more to notice any improvement while taking Arava .
If you miss a dose of Arava , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Arava .

Important safety information:

Drinking alcohol while you are taking Arava may increase the risk of liver problems. Talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Arava .
Avoid receiving vaccines while taking Arava .
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, small blisters over a large portion of the body, or lesions around the eyes, mouth, or throat.
LAB TESTS, including liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Arava is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 18 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
Arava may cause birth defects in children of men taking Arava at the time of conception. Discuss the use of reliable birth control methods (eg, condoms) with your doctor or pharmacist while taking Arava . Talk with your health care provider about stopping Arava if you and your female partner are planning for parenthood.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Arava may cause harm to the fetus. Arava must not be used during pregnancy, or by women who are able to become pregnant unless they are using reliable forms of birth control. A negative pregnancy test must be obtained before the start of treatment with Arava . Contact your health care provider at once if your menstrual flow is delayed or if you suspect that you are pregnant. After completing therapy, women of childbearing potential who plan to become pregnant must undergo a procedure to flush any remaining medicine out of the body system. It is unknown if Arava is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Arava .

Possible side effects of Arava :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; bronchitis; diarrhea; dizziness; dry skin; hair loss; headache; increased cough; indigestion; joint disorder; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; runny nose; sinus infection; upper respiratory tract infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering or peeling skin; blisters on the inside of eyes, nose, or mouth; chest pain; dark urine; easy bruising/bleeding; feelings of numbness or tingling; fever; infection; muscle cramps, including leg cramps; pale skin; pale stools; sore throat; stomach pain; unusual tiredness; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.