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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It contains Leflunomide, which suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. In some cases, Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Whats That

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Composition :

LEFLUNOMIDE-20MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Sanofi India Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

About Arava 20 mg Tablet

Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis (red patches of skin with silvery scales). 

Arava 20 mg Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. 

Take Arava 20 mg Tablet at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, as Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause serious congenital disabilities. Arava 20 mg Tablet should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Arava 20 mg Tablet as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Uses of Arava 20 mg Tablet

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis

Directions for Use

Take Arava 20 mg Tablet with or without food. Swallow Arava 20 mg Tablet as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it.

Medicinal Benefits

Arava 20 mg Tablet belongs to the group of medicines called anti-rheumatic agents used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Arava 20 mg Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) which inhibits an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and has antiproliferative activity (suppresses the cell growth). Thereby, helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling.

How Arava 20 mg Tablet Works

Arava 20 mg Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight
Side effects of Arava 20 mg Tablet
Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:
  • Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
  • Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
  • Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
  • Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.
Here are the step-by-step strategies to manage the side effects of "indigestion" caused by medication usage:
  • Take medications with food (if recommended): It can help prevent stomach distress and indigestion.
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Divide daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger indigestion, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
  • Stay upright after eating: Sit or stand upright for at least 1-2 hours after eating to prevent stomach acid from flowing into the oesophagus.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks: Avoid drinking carbonated beverages, such as soda or beer, which can worsen indigestion.
  • Manage stress: To alleviate indigestion, engage in stress-reducing activities like deep breathing exercises or meditation.
  • Consult a doctor if needed: If indigestion worsens or persists, consult a healthcare professional to adjust the medication regimen or explore alternative treatments.
  • Eat protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
  • Include foods with minerals and vitamins essential for hair health.
  • Join a support group to connect with others experiencing hair loss.
  • Openly discuss your feelings about hair loss.
  • Consider covering up with wigs, hats, or scarves.
  • Be patient and avoid seeking miracle cures.
Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:
  • Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
  • Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
  • Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
  • Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
  • Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
  • Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
  • To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
  • Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
  • Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
  • Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
Managing Medication-Triggered Bronchitis (Inflammation of the bronchial tubes): A Step-by-Step Guide:
  • If you experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing after taking medication, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to stop the medication causing the reaction, start alternative treatments, and provide supportive therapy.
  • To manage symptoms and prevent complications, follow your doctor's advice to use inhalers or nebulizers as prescribed, practice good hygiene, avoid irritants, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.
  • Regularly track your symptoms and report any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider.

What if I have taken an overdose of Arava 20 mg Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Arava 20 mg Tablet as it may cause overdose. The symptoms of overdose include weakness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, pale skin, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and fast heartbeat. If you suspect you have taken overdose or notice signs of overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Warnings

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are allergic to leflunomide, have severe liverkidney problems, low levels of protein in the blood, immune system problems, bone marrow problems, or serious infections. Arava 20 mg Tablet is not recommended to be used in pregnant women, lactating mothers and people below 18 years of age. Talk to your doctor before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet if you have/had serious infections like interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lungs), tuberculosis (TB), or pneumonia. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; notify the doctor if you develop infections, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Drug-Drug Interactions

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LeflunomideAtorvastatin
Severe
LeflunomideCertolizumab
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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LeflunomideAtorvastatin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
When atorvastatin and Arava 20 mg Tablet are taken together it can increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Atorvastatin and Arava 20 mg Tablet together can result in an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, less desire to eat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LeflunomideCertolizumab
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Combining Certolizumab pegol with Arava 20 mg Tablet can increase the risk of adverse effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Arava 20 mg Tablet with Certolizumab can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include feeling tired, dizzy, or lightheaded, having pale skin, experiencing frequent bleeding or bruising, having a fever or chills, having diarrhea or a sore throat, feeling muscle aches, having trouble breathing, losing weight unexpectedly, or feeling pain or burning when you urinate. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your doctor.
LeflunomideRosuvastatin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of Arava 20 mg Tablet and rosuvastatin can increase the risk of developing liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Arava 20 mg Tablet and Rosuvastatin can lead to an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, less desire to eat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LeflunomideLevofloxacin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Coadministration of Levofloxacin and Arava 20 mg Tablet can increase the risk of liver issues.

How to manage the interaction:
Although concomitant administration of levofloxacin alongside Arava 20 mg Tablet can result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you have a fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact the doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LeflunomideAcarbose
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Co-administration of acarbose with Arava 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between acarbose and Arava 20 mg Tablet, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
LeflunomideKetoconazole
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Coadministration of Ketoconazole and Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause liver injury.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Ketoconazole and Arava 20 mg Tablet together can result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has prescribed it. However, if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting a doctor.
LeflunomideCladribine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Combining Cladribine with Arava 20 mg Tablet can increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Arava 20 mg Tablet with Cladribine together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you experience any complications, infections, fever, chills, diarrhoea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, or pain while urinating, it is recommended to contact your doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your doctor.
LeflunomideBelinostat
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Combining Belinostat with Arava 20 mg Tablet can increase the risk of negative side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Arava 20 mg Tablet with Belinostat can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you notice any signs of liver damage, complications, infection, or any other symptoms like fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor right away. Other symptoms to watch out for include weight loss, pain, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark-coloured urine, or bleeding. Do not stop using any medications without talking to your doctor.
LeflunomideLamivudine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Combining Lamivudine with Arava 20 mg Tablet can increase the risk and severity of muscle problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Lamivudine and Arava 20 mg Tablet, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you have any of these symptoms it's important to contact your doctor right away: fever, feeling cold, joint discomfort, swelling, bruising, skin irritation, itching, not feeling hungry, tiredness, feeling sick, stomach ache, dark urine or bleeding. Do not stop using any medications without talking to your doctor.
LeflunomideMethylprednisolone
Severe
How does the drug interact with Arava 20 mg Tablet:
Using Arava 20 mg Tablet together with methylprednisolone may increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between Arava 20 mg Tablet and methylprednisolone, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.

  • Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.

  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.

  • Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.

  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.

  • Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.

  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.

  • Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

ANTIRHEUMATICS

Arava 20 mg Tablet Substitute

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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Arava 20 mg Tablet . Alcohol intake, along with Arava 20 mg Tablet , may cause liver disease.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Arava 20 mg Tablet while you are pregnant. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause serious birth defects.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Arava 20 mg Tablet while you are breastfeeding. Arava 20 mg Tablet passes into breast milk.

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Driving

Caution

Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

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Liver

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet .

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Kidney

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet .

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Children

Unsafe

Arava 20 mg Tablet is not approved for children under the age of 18 years.

FAQs

Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Arava 20 mg Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) which stops DNA (genetic material) of the provoked immune system cells required for its survival. Thereby, helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling at the damaged site (especially joint).

Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause diarrhoea. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.

It might take 4-6 weeks before you notice any benefit. In some cases, it might also take 6 months for you to feel the full effect of Arava 20 mg Tablet . Take Arava 20 mg Tablet for as long as your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition effectually.

Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, weak immune system and serious infections like pneumonia, or tuberculosis (TB).

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

CT Survey No.117-B, L&T Business Park, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400072.
Other Info - ARA0010

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