Arava helps to treat all stages of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Arava works by stopping the body from producing too many of the immune cells that are responsible for the swelling and inflammation.

Arava can be used with some of the other medications that are used to treat the inflammation and pain of this condition (for example, aspirin, other salicylates, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen).

Adults
The recommended starting dose of Arava is 20mg three to four times daily for the first 3 days. The doctor will then reduce the dose to 20 milligrams a day. If side effects appear, the dose may be further decreased to 10 milligrams a day.

Children
Arava is not recommended for children less than 18 years old.

If you miss a Arava dose
Take the missed dose of Arava as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this Arava unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Arava Overdose
Arava overdose can lead to serious consequences. Seek medical emergency.

Symptoms of Arava overdose include
• diarrhea,
• abdominal pain,
• blood problems, and
• liver problems.

Arava Storage instructions
Keep Arava out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store Arava at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect Arava from moisture. Throw away any unused amount of Arava after the expiration date.

Arava Preparations: Tablet – 10mg, 20mg

Cholestyramine
Methotrexate
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Rifampin
Tolbutamide

Continue to take Arava even if you feel better. Do not stop taking Arava unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to discontinue taking it.

Arava precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Arava must not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects in the developing baby. If you are still in your childbearing years, your doctor will want to see negative results from a pregnancy test before starting you on Arava. You\'ll also need to use reliable contraceptive measures as long as you take the drug.

If you become pregnant while taking Arava, your doctor will stop the drug immediately and prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine (Questran) in 8-gram doses 3 times a day for 11 days. Questran helps to clear Arava from the bloodstream, possibly preventing harm to the unborn child.

It is not known whether Arava passes into the breast milk. However, Arava is not recommended during breast-feeding, because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.

Special warnings about Arava
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks and tests to see if your liver is working properly. The side effects of Arava can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

While you are taking Arava you might be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your doctor\'s approval.

Call your health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, do not treat yourself.

If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Arava.

Alcoholic drinks can make you more dizzy and increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking Arava.

Why Arava should not be prescribed?
Arava should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Arava and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

More common side effects of Arava may include:

• abdominal pain,
• back pain,
• bronchitis,
• cough,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• hair loss,
• headache,
• high blood pressure,
• indigestion,
• itching,
• joint disorders,
• loss of appetite,
• mouth ulcers,
• nausea,
• rash,
• respiratory infection,
• sore throat,
• stomach inflammation,
• tendon inflammation,
• urinary tract infection,
• vomiting,
• weakness,
• weight loss

Less common side effects of Arava may include:

• abscess,
• acne,
• allergic reaction,
• anemia,
• angina,
• anxiety,
• asthma,
• blood in the urine,
• blurred vision,
• bone pain,
• bruising,
• bursitis,
• cataracts,
• chest pain,
• colitis,
• conjunctivitis (pinkeye),
• constipation,
• cysts,
• depression,
• dermatitis,
• diabetes,
• difficulty breathing,
• dry mouth,
• dry skin,
• eczema,
• eye problems,
• fever,
• flu-like symptoms,
• frequent urination,
• fungal infection of the mouth,
• fungal infection of the skin,
• gallstones,
• gas,
• general feeling of illness,
• gingivitis,
• hair discoloration,
• hernia,
• herpes infection,
• hyperthyroidism,
• insomnia,
• joint pain and inflammation,
• leg cramps,
• lung problems,
• menstrual disorders,
• migraine,
• mouth and throat inflammation,
• muscle aches,
• muscle cramps,
• nail disorders,
• nasal inflammation,
• neck pain,
• nosebleeds,
• prostate disorder,
• rapid heartbeat,
• sinus inflammation,
• skin bumps,
• pain,
• painful urination,
• palpitations,
• pelvic pain,
• pneumonia,
• purple spots on skin,
• skin discoloration,
• skin tingling,
• skin ulcers,
• sleep disorders,
• sweating,
• swelling,
• tarry stools,
• taste problems,
• tooth problems,
• vaginal fungal infection,
• varicose veins,
• vertigo