Question 1

Will I need to use Arava long term?

Accepted Answer

Arava is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If both you and your doctor find that Arava is effective and you tolerate it well, you'll likely continue to take it over the long term. This approach is common with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like Arava, as they are designed to manage conditions chronically rather than provide immediate symptom relief.

Question 2

How long does it take Arava to work?

Accepted Answer

Arava, like other DMARDs, doesn’t work immediately. It might take several weeks or even months before you start to notice any improvements in your symptoms. These medications work gradually to control the underlying disease processes and help reduce symptoms of RA over time. If you're finding it hard to manage your symptoms while waiting for Arava to take effect, talk to your doctor about options for symptom relief in the interim.

Question 3

What if I need to stop Arava due to side effects?

Accepted Answer

If you experience serious side effects from Arava and need to stop taking it, your doctor will guide you through the next steps. They may prescribe a special treatment to help remove the drug's active byproduct, teriflunomide, from your system more quickly than it would on its own. Normally, teriflunomide can remain in your body for up to two years after you stop taking Arava, which could continue to pose health risks. The treatment to accelerate its removal ensures that it clears from your system much faster, reducing potential long-term side effects.

Question 4

How quickly does your body clear Arava?

Accepted Answer

Arava, also known by its generic name leflunomide, is processed by your body and eventually eliminated through urine and feces. The drug has a half-life of about 18 to 19 days, meaning that it takes about 18 to 19 days for the amount of Arava in your body to reduce by half after you take a dose. Therefore, completely clearing Arava from your system can take a considerable amount of time, especially if you have been taking it regularly.

Question 5

Does Arava make you lose weight?

Accepted Answer

While weight loss is not a common side effect of Arava, it can occur in rare cases due to loss of appetite, which has been reported during clinical trials. It’s important to monitor this because losing your appetite and subsequent weight loss could also be signs of liver damage, a serious side effect associated with Arava. If you notice significant weight loss or any other unusual symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor promptly.

Question 6

Does Arava help with pain?

Accepted Answer

Arava works by blocking the formation of DNA in certain cells, including those of the immune system. This action helps to suppress the immune system, reducing inflammation, which is often a source of pain and swelling in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. By decreasing inflammation, Arava can help alleviate pain associated with arthritis. However, because it’s designed to manage the disease over the long term rather than provide immediate pain relief, it may take some time to notice a reduction in pain after starting Arava.

Question 7

When is the best time to take Arava?

Accepted Answer

Arava, also known as leflunomide, is a medication taken in tablet form once daily. You can take it at any time of the day, either with food or on an empty stomach. However, for the best results, it’s important to take it at the same time every day. This helps maintain a consistent level of medication in your body. Make sure to swallow the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing them, to ensure the medication works properly.

Question 8

Is Arava used to treat lupus?

Accepted Answer

While Arava is primarily approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is sometimes used off-label for lupus, particularly when other medications like Methotrexate are not effective or well-tolerated by the patient. As a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), Arava works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, which are key factors in both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. If you have lupus and are considering Arava as a treatment option, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to fully understand the potential benefits and risks.