Information about Leflunomide (Generic Arava) :


Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor used to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The clear mechanism of its action is unknown. Probably, it blocks certain enzymes responsible for abnormal tissue development or growth. It may also be administered to improve physical function and to prevent the development of structural damage to the joints.

You should not use Leflunomide in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Leflunomide; you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Leflunomide:
Before using Leflunomide you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a weakened immune system, blood or bone marrow disorders, an infection, or have recently received a vaccination; you have hepatitis B or C or other liver problems, kidney problems, or drink alcoholic beverages.

Be aware that Leflunomide may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: cholestyramine because the effectiveness of Leflunomide may be decreased; methotrexate or rifampin because side effects, including liver toxicity, headache, and muscle pains, may occur; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by Leflunomide.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Leflunomide:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Leflunomide should be taken orally with or without food. You should know that it may take 4 weeks or more to feel any improvement while using Leflunomide.

In case you miss a dose of Leflunomide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are using Leflunomide as the risk of liver problems may be increased. Consult with your physician before drinking alcohol while taking Leflunomide.

Try not to receive any vaccines while using Leflunomide.

Consult with your doctor right away in case you experience a skin rash, small blisters over a large portion of the body, or lesions around the eyes, mouth, or throat.

Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you are using Leflunomide. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Do not use Leflunomide in CHILDREN younger than 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been proved.

Leflunomide was proved to cause birth defects in children of men taking Leflunomide at the time of conception. You should use reliable birth control methods (eg, condoms). Consult with your doctor about stopping Leflunomide in case you are planning pregnancy.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
It is known that Leflunomide is deleterious to the fetus. Do not use Leflunomide while pregnancy, or in women who are able to become pregnant unless they are using reliable forms of birth control. It is important to obtain a negative pregnancy test before you start treatment with Leflunomide. Consult with your doctor immediately in case your menstrual flow is delayed or if you suspect pregnancy. After finishing therapy, women of childbearing potential who plan pregnancy must undergo a procedure to flush any remaining medicine out of the body system. It is not clear whether Leflunomide passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while using Leflunomide.

Possible side effects of Leflunomide:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: back pain; bronchitis; diarrhea; dizziness; dry skin; hair loss; headache; increased cough; indigestion; joint disorder; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; runny nose; sinus infection; upper respiratory tract infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering or peeling skin; blisters on the inside of eyes, nose, or mouth; chest pain; dark urine; easy bruising/bleeding; feelings of numbness or tingling; fever; infection; muscle cramps, including leg cramps; pale skin; pale stools; sore throat; stomach pain; unusual tiredness; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.