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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Jan 1, 2025 | 2:49 PM IST
Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It contains Leflunomide, which suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. In some cases, Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Composition :

LEFLUNOMIDE-20MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Sanofi India Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

3 Days Returnable

Expires on or after :

Apr-26

About Arava 20 mg Tablet

Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis (red patches of skin with silvery scales). 

Arava 20 mg Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. 

Take Arava 20 mg Tablet at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, as Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause serious congenital disabilities. Arava 20 mg Tablet should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Arava 20 mg Tablet as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Uses of Arava 20 mg Tablet

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis

Medicinal Benefits

Arava 20 mg Tablet belongs to the group of medicines called anti-rheumatic agents used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Arava 20 mg Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) which inhibits an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and has antiproliferative activity (suppresses the cell growth). Thereby, helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Side Effects of Arava 20 mg Tablet

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Indigestion
  • Rash
  • Hair loss

Directions for Use

Take Arava 20 mg Tablet with or without food. Swallow Arava 20 mg Tablet as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Drug Warnings

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are allergic to leflunomide, have severe liverkidney problems, low levels of protein in the blood, immune system problems, bone marrow problems, or serious infections. Arava 20 mg Tablet is not recommended to be used in pregnant women, lactating mothers and people below 18 years of age. Talk to your doctor before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet if you have/had serious infections like interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lungs), tuberculosis (TB), or pneumonia. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; notify the doctor if you develop infections, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Therapeutic Class

ANTIRHEUMATICS

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
LeflunomideCorticotropin
Severe
LeflunomidePazopanib
Severe

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.

  • Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.

  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.

  • Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.

  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.

  • Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.

  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.

  • Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Habit Forming

No

How Arava 20 mg Tablet Works

Arava 20 mg Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

What if I have taken an overdose of Arava 20 mg Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Arava 20 mg Tablet as it may cause overdose. The symptoms of overdose include weakness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, pale skin, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and fast heartbeat. If you suspect you have taken overdose or notice signs of overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Arava 20 mg Tablet . Alcohol intake, along with Arava 20 mg Tablet , may cause liver disease.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Arava 20 mg Tablet while you are pregnant. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause serious birth defects.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Arava 20 mg Tablet while you are breastfeeding. Arava 20 mg Tablet passes into breast milk.

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Driving

Caution

Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

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Liver

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet .

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Kidney

Caution

Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet .

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Children

Unsafe

Arava 20 mg Tablet is not approved for children under the age of 18 years.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

CT Survey No.117-B, L&T Business Park, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400072.
Other Info - ARA0010

Author Details

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FAQs

Arava 20 mg Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Arava 20 mg Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) which stops DNA (genetic material) of the provoked immune system cells required for its survival. Thereby, helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling at the damaged site (especially joint).
Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause diarrhoea. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
It might take 4-6 weeks before you notice any benefit. In some cases, it might also take 6 months for you to feel the full effect of Arava 20 mg Tablet . Take Arava 20 mg Tablet for as long as your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition effectually.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, weak immune system and serious infections like pneumonia, or tuberculosis (TB).

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