ARAVA 20 MG 30 TABLETS

What is leflunomide and what it is used for?

Leflunomide is used in adult patients to treat rheumatoid arthritis; An inflammatory medical condition that causes your immune system to attack your organs. It primarily affects your joints as well as other potential organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, blood vessels, and heart.

Do not take leflunomide:

• If you are allergic to leflunomide, or any other ingredients contained in this medicine. Tell your doctor about your symptoms.

• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• If you suffer from severe liver impairment.

• If you are currently taking teriflunomide.

Warnings and precautions:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience an allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, rash, or swelling of the face or neck.

• This medicine may cause blood problems such as thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets responsible for healing wounds and stopping bleeding) and other blood problems. Be sure to watch for bleeding, delayed wound healing, easy bruising, feeling tired or dizzy, fever and pallor. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a quick action to get rid of the medication.

• Cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome have been reported with the use of this medicine. This syndrome is a rare and serious skin disease that usually begins with signs of the flu and is followed by a severe, painful rash with blisters. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these signs.

• This medicine may cause tingling and numbness in your extremities. If this happens, be sure to tell your doctor.

• This medicine may cause interstitial lung disease that can be fatal. Interstitial lung disease causes scarring in your lungs, leading to multiple signs such as shortness of breath, dry cough, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, and rapid breathing. If you experience any of these signs, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

• This medicine may cause high blood pressure. Make sure to monitor your blood pressure regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

• Cases of severe liver injury have been reported with this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any previous liver problems you have had. Call your doctor if you have liver problems such as dark urine, tired feeling, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.