Mechanism of Action of Generic ARAVA

Rheumatic disease is an autoimmune disease with inflammation and destruction. The body fights against oneself in a destructive manner causing disease.

The chief component, Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. It basically belongs to the Class of drugs called DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug). The drug substance has immuno-modulatory potential. It interferes with the cell turn over, and inhibits synthesis of Pyrimidines which is a key component of DNA.

Arava Pricing

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Dosage and Administrations of the Generic of Arava

The drug has a half life of 2 weeks. Therefore it remains in the body a long time after each administration. Generic Arava is recommended at a starting loading dose of 100 mg per day for 3 days. The dosage is recommended at a interval of 24 hours to offer steady drug level. The initial dosage, usually the patient is put on a maintenance dose of 20 mg per day there after. Due to prolonged half life, it is important that the patients are observed after reduction of dose. Arava is available for oral administration in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. It is also available in 100mg strength in blister packs.

What you must inform your doctor?

Leflunomide is not indicated for pregnant woman and breast feeding mothers. The drug can cause harm to the unborn baby. It can also cause birth defects. Always take care to inform your physician if you are planning a pregnancy or if you are pregnant. If you are already on the drug, use birth control pills to avoid pregnancy while on medication.

You must also inform you doctor if you have any history y of liver diseases or hepatitis. Detail you doctor on your health condition, past ailments, chronic diseases etc. those with kidney disorders, or tuberculoses, bone marrow disorder must inform the doctor. If you are suffering from any blood disorder, tendency to bleed easily, anemia etc, inform your physician. If you are on medication for cancer or any other steroid or drugs that weaken the immune system, you doctor must be alerted before starting the prescription.

Those on Leflunomide are susceptible to catch infection easily. Therefore keep away from people who are suffering from any viral infection, contagious ailments etc. it is important to remember, receive ‘live’ vaccine during treatment is contraindicated and also avoid people who have been vaccinated recently as you could be infected easily.

Once your treatment is ceased, it is important to be medicated to eliminate leflunomide from the body as it could continue to exist in the body for even up to 2 years. Elimination can be hastened by using cholestyramine or activated charcoal.

How to take Arava?

Take you dose of generic ARAVA exactly as prescribed by your physician. The drug can be taken with out without food intake. It is important to take a skin test to rule out tuberculosis before starting the treatment. Follow the directions instruction on the prescription label and never change the does unless advised. While on medication, it is important to regularly check you liver function and blood as Leflunomide can easily reduce platelet count.

How to manage a missed dose?

If you have missed your dose, skip it if it is almost nearing the next dose. Over dosage can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, easy bleeding and bruising and yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, due to its effect o the liver functions. Seek immediate medical help. You can also call Poison Help Care line at 1-800-222-1222.

Side effects of Arava

Some of the adverse effects include diarrhea, alopecia, and rashes on skin. It can also cause elevated liver enzymes. Arava is not recommended in patients with severe immunodeficiency, bone marrow dysplasia, TB, pneumonia etc. Risk of malignancy and lympho-proliferative disorders are likely to be triggered by using immune suppressive drugs. Though no cases of malignancy have been reported the risk cannot be ruled out. If you notice rashes on skin, hive, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or have difficulty in breathing immediately seek medical help.

Stop using the drug and immediately seek advice from your doctor if you have the following side effects-

• Chest pain

• Sores or white patches inside the mouth

• Fever

• Difficulty in breathing

• Weakness with easy bruising and bleeding

• Burning pain while urination

• Dark urine

• Pale clay colored stools with yellow discoloration in eyes

• Nausea, stomach pain

Drug interactions

The drug has active interaction potential with Cholestyramine and Charcoal, Hepatotoxic Drugs, NSAIDs, Rifampin, Tolbutamide, and Warfarin.

Storage

The drug should be stored in room temperature, between 15-30°C. Take care to protect the drug from sunlight and damp environment.