Arava

Special warnings about Arava

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

Theoretically, 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 Arava.

Since there is a possibility that 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 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.

Lung disease (including scarring of the lung) has been reported in patients taking Arava. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any new or unusual symptoms.

Arava has been known to cause rare but serious skin reactions. If you develop a skin rash or eruption, stop taking Arava and contact your doctor. 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 Arava in your system.

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 Arava and will prescribe a regimen of cholestyramine to clear Arava from your system.