Arava
Indicated to manage rheumatoid arthritis to mitigate joint damage.
- Category
- Autoimmune Support
- Active ingredient
- Leflunomide
- Supply
- Rx
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 10 · 20mg
Arava details
- Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis · Psoriatic Arthritis
- Therapeutic class
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- Pharmacological class
- Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitor
- Minor side effects
- diarrhoea; nausea; headache; alopecia
- Moderate side effects
- hypertension; elevated liver enzymes; weight loss; rash
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Patient summary
- Indicated to manage rheumatoid arthritis to mitigate joint damage.
- Supply category
- Prescription only (specially controlled medicine)
- Manufacturer
- Sanofi
- Onset Time
- 4–8 weeks
- Duration
- long-term
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in a dry place.
- Drug interactions
- hepatotoxic drugs; cholestyramine; activated charcoal
- Age restrictions
- Not recommended for those under 18 years.
Contraindications
pregnancy; severe hepatic impairment; severe immunodeficiency; hypersensitivity to leflunomide
Precautions and warnings
regular blood monitoring recommended; monitor liver function; avoid live vaccines during treatment
Serious side effects
severe liver injury, requires immediate medical attention; interstitial lung disease, requires immediate medical attention; severe haematological disorders, requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism of action
Inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which reduces pyrimidine synthesis, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of activated T-lymphocytes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Absolute contraindication; must use strict contraception. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Arava
Arava contains leflunomide, a disease-modifying agent used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. This medication is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 10mg and 20mg. Produced by Sanofi, it remains a standard treatment for individuals managing these chronic inflammatory joint conditions.
Arava availability in Asia
Arava is registered across 14 markets including Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea, with further availability in Japan, the UAE and Singapore. Generic leflunomide, produced extensively in India, is often more affordable than the original brand, providing an accessible option for expats or those living far from a well-stocked pharmacy. This medication is best used under a doctor’s care due to the specific requirements of treating inflammatory joint conditions.