Arava

Arava is a drug prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is also given for improving physical function and for preventing the development of structural damage to the joints.

Arava is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. It is believed that the drug works by blocking certain enzymes that causes abnormal tissue development.

The drug can be taken with meals or with out meals. You have to strictly follow the prescription; never go for low doses of the medicine or larger doses or take the drug for longer periods unless your doctor has prescribed it. You have to complete the whole course of the Arava medication for better results. If you do not come across any improvement in your conditions in the first weeks, do not stop the drug. The symptoms may take about 4 weeks to improve. If you discontinue the medication in the middle of course, your conditions may worsen.

You have to be careful not to miss any dose. But if a dose is missed by any chance, take it once you remember it. But if it is your scheduled time to take your next dose, skip the missed one. Take care that you do not compensate for the missed drug with more doses.

Once your doctor decides to prescribe Arava, inform him about all your allergic reactions. Tell him if you are allergic to any food, medicine or any substance. Your doctor has to know if you have a weak immune system, infection, blood/bone marrow disorders and kidney or liver problems. You should also inform the doctor if you have received any vaccination recently or if you consume alcohol.

Arava has to be avoided by pregnant women and those who aspire to become pregnant. The drug is known to cause birth defects. It is better not to become pregnant when you are on Arava medication. It has been recommended that women should not become pregnant for at least 2 years after stopping the drug. The doctors also do not prescribe the drug for children below 18 years of age.

As like all medicines, certain drugs are known to interact with Arava , you have to inform your doctor if you are using any other medicines like: .

Cholestyramine (effectiveness of Arava is decreased); Methotrexate or rifampin (side effects like headache, liver toxicity, and muscle pains can occur); Anticoagulants (side effects like bleeding may be increased by Arava).

While you are on Arava medication, avoid alcohol as it increases the risk of liver diseases. Your doctor is likely to recommend regular lab test if you are using Arava medicines. Never miss the appointments and lab tests, as these are needed for monitoring your liver and kidney functions.

As like all medicines Avara also comes with many side effects. Some of the common side effects seen are Back pain, diarrhoea, bronchitis, runny nose dry skin, headache, hair loss, loss of appetite; increased cough joint disorder, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

You may also come cross rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, and peeling skin. This is not a complete list but if you come across such symptoms, you have to stop the drug and contact your doctor immediately.