Side Effects of Arava

Article Plan⁚ Side Effects of Arava

Introduction

Arava (leflunomide) is a medication used for treating rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation in the body.​ Like any medication, Arava may cause side effects, ranging from common ones like diarrhea and headache to rare but serious effects like liver damage and infections.​ It’s essential to be aware of these side effects and how to manage them effectively. This article provides insights into both the common and rare side effects of Arava, along with guidance on how to address and monitor these effects for better treatment outcomes.​

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Arava include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, back pain, numbness or tingling, runny or stuffy nose, cold symptoms, itching, rash, hair loss, heartburn, vomiting, weight loss, muscle pain, dry skin, leg cramps, indigestion, joint or muscle pain/stiffness, and fatigue.​ It is important to be aware of these common side effects and consult your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

While most side effects of Arava are fairly common and manageable, there are rare but serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.​ Some of these include severe skin reactions, serious infections, high blood pressure, chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, increased risk of infections due to Arava’s suppression of the immune system, and potentially fatal liver failure.​ It is crucial to be vigilant for any signs of these serious side effects and seek prompt medical help if they occur.

Managing Side Effects

Managing the side effects of Arava involves different strategies depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms.​ For common side effects like diarrhea and nausea, simple remedies such as staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, and avoiding trigger foods can be helpful.​ It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about persistent or bothersome side effects to explore potential solutions.​ Additionally, for serious side effects like liver problems or infections, prompt medical attention is necessary to address these issues effectively.​

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Arava, it is crucial to consider certain precautions and warnings to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.​ Arava has the potential to cause severe or fatal liver damage, especially when used in conjunction with certain other medicines.​ Individuals with a history of liver disease or those using medications like pain or arthritis medicine, tuberculosis treatment, hormonal contraceptives, chemotherapy, or others should exercise caution when taking Arava.​

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, such as liver disease, severe infections, nerve problems, weakened immune system, or the use of medications that suppress the immune system.​ Additionally, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of Arava with your doctor due to the potential for birth defects.​

Your doctor may conduct tests before initiating Arava treatment to rule out infections, and regular monitoring of liver function and blood pressure may be necessary during the course of treatment.​ It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and to discuss any changes or concerns with your healthcare provider.​

Drug Interactions

Arava (leflunomide) may interact with various medications, leading to potential consequences.​ It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you are taking to prevent harmful interactions.​ Some drugs that may interact with Arava include acetaminophen, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, antibiotics, antifungal medications, tuberculosis drugs, antiviral or HIV/AIDS medications, seizure medications, birth control pills, anabolic steroids, cancer drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, and heart or blood pressure medications. These interactions can impact the effectiveness or safety of Arava, so it is crucial to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider.​

Dosage and Administration

The typical dosage and administration of Arava (leflunomide) for managing rheumatoid arthritis involve an initial loading dose of 100 mg orally once a day for three days, followed by a maintenance dose of 20 mg orally once a day.​ In cases where the medication is not well tolerated, the dose may be reduced to 10 mg once daily.​ It is important to monitor hematological parameters and liver enzymes regularly during treatment.​ The primary goals of Arava therapy in rheumatoid arthritis are to alleviate signs and symptoms, inhibit structural damage (such as joint space narrowing), and enhance physical function.​

Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosages and schedules provided by their healthcare providers and must not adjust the dosage without medical advice.​ If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped.​ Taking additional medication to compensate for the missed dose is not recommended.​ In case of an overdose, immediate medical attention should be sought.​

Regular monitoring of blood pressure and liver function is essential during Arava treatment due to potential side effects on these parameters.​ The drug may lower blood cell counts, affecting the body’s immune response and clotting ability, requiring frequent blood tests to manage these effects.​ Additionally, after discontinuing Arava, patients may need additional medications to aid in the rapid elimination of leflunomide from the body, especially if pregnancy is planned after treatment cessation.​

Before using Arava, patients should undergo tests to rule out latent infections, and vaccination with live vaccines should be avoided during treatment to prevent severe infections.​ Any signs of infection should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider.​ Patients must not hesitate to seek medical help if they experience allergic reactions like hives, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling.​ It is important to store Arava at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.​

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the potential side effects of Arava (leflunomide) is crucial for individuals undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. While common side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, and rash are manageable, serious adverse effects such as liver problems, infections, and high blood pressure require immediate medical attention.​ It is essential for patients to communicate any persistent or worsening symptoms to their healthcare providers to ensure appropriate management.

By adhering to prescribed dosages, closely monitoring for side effects, and following precautionary measures, individuals can optimize the benefits of Arava therapy while minimizing the risks associated with this medication.​ Regular monitoring of liver function, blood pressure, and blood cell counts is vital to ensure safe use and efficacy.​ Consultation with healthcare providers and timely reporting of any concerns are pivotal in the safe and effective administration of Arava.​

Patients should be aware of potential drug interactions and precautions associated with Arava use, particularly in individuals with a history of liver disease or those using certain medications. By prioritizing safety, regular monitoring, and open communication with healthcare providers, individuals can navigate the treatment journey with Arava more effectively and achieve better outcomes in managing rheumatoid arthritis.