Arava

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Arava

If Arava is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Arava with the following:

• Cholestyramine
• Methotrexate
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and naproxen sodium
• Rifampin
• Tolbutamide

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Arava while pregnant or breastfeeding. Taken during pregnancy, the drug can cause birth defects. And although it is not known whether Arava appears in breast milk, there is good reason to suspect that it will cause serious side effects in nursing infants.

Recommended dosage for Arava

ADULTS

The recommended starting dose is one 100-milligram tablet daily for the first 3 days. If you have an increased risk for blood disorders or liver problems, your doctor may choose to eliminate the 100-milligram starting dose to reduce the risk of serious side effects.

After the first 3 days, the doctor will reduce the dose to 20 milligrams a day. If side effects appear, the dose may be further decreased to 10 milligrams a day.

CHILDREN

Arava is not recommended for children less than 18 years old.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Arava, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Arava overdose may include:
  Abdominal pain, anemia, blood disorders, diarrhea, liver problems