Brand name:
LEFRA (Leflunomide, LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava))

Generic name: Leflunomide
Why is LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) prescribed?

LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling associated with this disease, improves physical function, and staves off the joint damage that ultimately results.
Most important fact about LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava)

You MUST NOT take LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) if you are pregnant; it can harm 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 LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava). You'll also need to use reliable contraceptive measures as long as you take the drug.

If you become pregnant while taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, 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 LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) from the bloodstream, possibly preventing harm to the unborn child.
How should you take LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava)?

Your dosage of LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) will be decreased after the first 3 days. Never take more than your doctor prescribes.

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature away from light.
LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava).

* Side effects 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

Why should LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) not be prescribed?

Remember that you must not take LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You'll also need to avoid LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava)

LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) is potentially damaging to the liver. Your doctor will test your liver function before starting LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) therapy. If you have significant liver disease, including hepatitis, you'll be unable to take LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava). If you develop liver problems while taking the drug, your dose will have to be reduced or eliminated.

Theoretically, LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) may interfere with your body's ability to fight off infection. The drug is therefore not recommended for people with cancer, bone marrow problems, severe infections, AIDS, or any other immune system problems. You should also avoid immunization with live vaccines while taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava).

Since there is a possibility that LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) could damage your liver or cause blood problems (such as a loss of white blood cells used to fight infection or a loss of cells that help your blood clot), it is essential that your doctor conducts a monthly blood test for the first 6 months of therapy, then every 6 to 8 weeks thereafter. If you are taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) and the cancer drug methotrexate together you may be even more susceptible to these problems. Your doctor will need to test your blood every month. Notify your doctor promptly if any signs of a blood problem appear. Warnings include easy bruising, frequent infections, unusual fatigue, and paleness.

LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) has been known to cause rare but serious skin reactions. If you develop a skin rash or eruption, stop taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) and contact your doctor. LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) can also reduce your blood cell count.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug cautiously if you have kidney problems, since poor kidney function can increase the amount of LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) in your system.

LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) does not appear to cause fetal harm when taken by the father prior to conception. Nevertheless, if you plan to father a child, your doctor will instruct you to stop taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) and will prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine to clear LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) from your system.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava)

If LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) with the following:

Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) while pregnant or breastfeeding. Taken during pregnancy, the drug can cause birth defects. And although it is not known whether LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) appears in breast milk, there is good reason to suspect that it will cause serious side effects in nursing infants.
Recommended dosage for LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava)

ADULTS
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava), seek medical treatment immediately.

* Symptoms of LEFRA (Leflunomide, Arava) overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, anemia, blood disorders, diarrhea, liver problems