Brand Name: Arava
Generic Name: Leflunomide

Leflunomide

(le-FLOO-noh-mide)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Active rheumatoid arthritis

BRAND NAME
Arava

DRUG CLASS
Antirheumatic

DESCRIPTION
This drug inhibits the production of pyrimidine, which promotes anti-inflammatory effects.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Diarrhea, nausea, respiratory tract infection, high blood pressure, rash, urinary tract infection, headache, dizziness, chest pain, hair loss, itching, dry skin, upset stomach, abnormal liver enzymes tests, abdominal pain, mouth ulcers, vomiting, low potassium levels, weight loss, muscle aches, leg cramps, joint disorders, increased cough, bronchitis.

CAUTIONS

• Do not use this drug in pregnancy. Pregnancy must be excluded prior to initiation of therapy. Reliable use of contraception in women of childbearing age should be ensured during therapy. Pregnancy must be avoided during and prior to completion of the drug elimination procedure after leflunomide treatment.
• Leflunomide has been associated with liver toxicity. Monitoring of blood factors and liver function is recommended during therapy. The use of this drug in impaired liver function is not recommended.
• Not recommended for use in patients with severe immune deficiency, bone marrow dysplasia, or with an uncontrolled infection.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Methotrexate, rifampin, cholestyramine, charcoal, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), tolbutamide, other drugs known to cause liver toxicity.

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category X. Not known if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
This drug has a black box warning regarding the contraindication of pregnancy (see cautions).