Arava relieves pain and inflammation in the joints, improve physical function and slows RA disease. So while there is no cure for RA, you may be able to do something to prevent things from getting worse. Because Arava can slow the deterioration of RA, it is classified as a DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs). How effective Arava? The effectiveness of Arava in the treatment of RA has been demonstrated in 3 trials. Arava proven to reduce the signs and symptoms, including morning stiffness and the number of tender and swollen joints. The patients in controlled trials experienced significant improvements in physical function, such as gripping, reaching, walking, dressing, and rising from a chair. The hands and feet radiographs of those taking Arava in the trial shows that Arava can also slow down the damage caused by the disease. You may want to discuss with your doctor about the specific reasons Arava has been chosen for you. Arava is effective if I had RA for several years? In clinical trials, Arava was effective for both patients newly diagnosed with RA and those who have had the condition for more than 5 years. Arava is indicated as first-treatment of RA. Arava was studied in men and women, young and older adults, those who come to a diagnosis of RA, and who had for several years. Arava is different from other RA drugs? Yes. Arava is a unique way of substances that affect the interior of your joints. How do I know if Arava works? You can begin to experience an improvement in joint swelling and tenderness at the end of 4 weeks. How many times do I need to take Arava? Every day. In addition to relieving pain and swelling and helps to slow RA, Arava is also easy to take. The doctor will probably start you with one Arava of 100 mg per day for 3 days, followed by just 1 small of 20 mg daily. There are some situations in which the doctor may prescribe 10 mg for you. There is no injection or confusing schedules to be concerned with Arava. What should I do if I miss a dose of Arava? If you miss a dose, and it is almost time for the next dose, only take the dose. Do not take double or extra doses. A council not to forget to take your Arava is considered at the same time as you are doing an activity every day, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Be on the Arava near your toothpaste in your medicine cabinet will be a visual reminder too. Should I take Arava with food? Arava can be taken with or without food. How long do I need to take Arava? Remember, there is no cure for RA, but Arava can help improve the symptoms and slow the damage. You must follow your doctor's instructions for taking Arava. RA Most people have to take medication for the rest of their lives. If you do not follow the treatment program, Arava not function properly, which may lead to worsening of symptoms. Is it acceptable to take Arava with other drugs? Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbs, and any prescription or OTC medications you are taking for conditions other than RA. Most medicines can be given with Arava. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken cholestyramine, rifampicin, methotrexate, auranofin (oral gold), azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine. You may need additional monitoring when Arava is taken with some of these medications. Arava Can I take if I am pregnant or want to become pregnant? No. Your doctor will verify that you are not pregnant before you start you Arava treatment. Your doctor will also advise on the risks of birth defects if you become pregnant while taking Arava. ARAVA should not be used in pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, who are not using reliable birth control because ARAVA may increase the risk of birth defects. You can be exposed to an increased risk of death of your unborn child or have a child with a birth defect if: You are pregnant when you start taking Arava You are pregnant while you are taking Arava You do not expect to become pregnant before they stopped taking Arava and monitoring the elimination of drug procedure described below Can I take Arava if I try to father a child? The information available does not suggest that Arava taken by the father would be associated with an increased risk for the unborn child. To minimize any possible risk, men wishing to father a child should consider discontinuing use of Arava and taking cholestyramine 8 grams 3 times daily for 11 days. What about the use of birth control with Arava? If you are currently taking or have ceased Arava Arava, and are going through the process of elimination of drugs required, you and your partner must take every precaution to prevent pregnancy. Both partners should use reliable birth control, as recommended by your doctor. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you contact your doctor immediately if your menstrual cycle is late or if for any other reason, you think that you may be pregnant. If you are a woman of childbearing potential and to discontinue Arava treatment for any reason, you must undergo drug elimination procedure described below. What is the procedure for eliminating drug Arava? After abandoning Arava, the doctor will prescribe a drug elimination procedure consisting of a full 11 days of cholestyramine, 8 grams, 3 times a day, followed by 2 separate laboratory blood tests at least 14 days for provide a very low level of drug Your body . If your drug levels are too high, your doctor may recommend other drugs eradication of drugs. After the elimination process drugs, the risk of having a baby with a birth defect is very low and should not be higher than the risk in the general population. If you do not follow the procedure for the elimination of drugs, it could take up to 2 years to achieve this very low level of drugs in the blood. Others who should not take Arava. Those who should not take Arava include: Anyone who is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the Arava Nursing mothers Patients with severe immune deficiencies or uncontrolled severe infections If you have other health conditions such as kidney problems, talk to your doctor. Arava can affect my liver? Arava can cause an increase in liver enzymes or, in rare cases, damage to the liver, with the possibility of putting their lives at risk. Therefore, your doctor will monitor your liver enzyme blood test to check for problems and, if necessary, adjust or interrupting your dose of Arava. Liver blood tests are performed at the beginning of treatment, a month for 6 months and then, once the liver enzymes are stable, every 6 to 8 weeks. Liver Blood tests are necessary because of the possibility of liver in people taking Arava. Arava is not recommended for patients with significant liver disease or hepatitis B or C. In clinical studies with Arava, liver enzymes were elevated in many patients Arava In clinical studies, most of the increases were usually mild and resolved, while continuing treatment Few patients have stopped taking Arava due to a rise in their liver function Arava can affect my blood? With Arava, you can develop very low blood, especially if you are taking other medicines. To verify the presence of this potential problem, your doctor will monitor your blood regularly and, if necessary, stop the treatment. As for the monitoring of the liver, your blood will be evaluated when you begin Arava, and a month for 6 months, then every 6 to 8 weeks. However, if you take Arava with another drug that could stifle your bone marrow, as methotrexate blood monitoring should be done every month. Arava is not recommended for anyone with serious problems with the immune system or severe, uncontrolled infection. If a serious infection occurs, Arava may need to be arrested. Contact your doctor immediately if you think you have signs of infection. What are the most common side effects associated with Arava therapy? The majority of people with RA are in a position to take Arava without experiencing side effects. In clinical trials involving 1.339 people, the most common side effects associated with Arava were: Diarrhea 17% Elevated liver enzymes 5% Loss or thinning hair 10% Rash 10% Are there any other side effects I could experience with Arava? Your doctor can prescribe medication if you develop stomach or digestive problems. If you see one of the side effects or other problems, talk to your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: Cough or shortness of breath Rash or skin ulceration Wounds in the mouth Ecchymoses or bleeding Frequent infections Fever, fatigue or unusual paleness Abdominal pain Jaundice (yellowing of skin color) Also, if you notice any side effects that are not listed but you, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.Thursday, November 8, 2007
Why has my doctor prescribed Arava?
Arava relieves pain and inflammation in the joints, improve physical function and slows RA disease. So while there is no cure for RA, you may be able to do something to prevent things from getting worse. Because Arava can slow the deterioration of RA, it is classified as a DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs). How effective Arava? The effectiveness of Arava in the treatment of RA has been demonstrated in 3 trials. Arava proven to reduce the signs and symptoms, including morning stiffness and the number of tender and swollen joints. The patients in controlled trials experienced significant improvements in physical function, such as gripping, reaching, walking, dressing, and rising from a chair. The hands and feet radiographs of those taking Arava in the trial shows that Arava can also slow down the damage caused by the disease. You may want to discuss with your doctor about the specific reasons Arava has been chosen for you. Arava is effective if I had RA for several years? In clinical trials, Arava was effective for both patients newly diagnosed with RA and those who have had the condition for more than 5 years. Arava is indicated as first-treatment of RA. Arava was studied in men and women, young and older adults, those who come to a diagnosis of RA, and who had for several years. Arava is different from other RA drugs? Yes. Arava is a unique way of substances that affect the interior of your joints. How do I know if Arava works? You can begin to experience an improvement in joint swelling and tenderness at the end of 4 weeks. How many times do I need to take Arava? Every day. In addition to relieving pain and swelling and helps to slow RA, Arava is also easy to take. The doctor will probably start you with one Arava of 100 mg per day for 3 days, followed by just 1 small of 20 mg daily. There are some situations in which the doctor may prescribe 10 mg for you. There is no injection or confusing schedules to be concerned with Arava. What should I do if I miss a dose of Arava? If you miss a dose, and it is almost time for the next dose, only take the dose. Do not take double or extra doses. A council not to forget to take your Arava is considered at the same time as you are doing an activity every day, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Be on the Arava near your toothpaste in your medicine cabinet will be a visual reminder too. Should I take Arava with food? Arava can be taken with or without food. How long do I need to take Arava? Remember, there is no cure for RA, but Arava can help improve the symptoms and slow the damage. You must follow your doctor's instructions for taking Arava. RA Most people have to take medication for the rest of their lives. If you do not follow the treatment program, Arava not function properly, which may lead to worsening of symptoms. Is it acceptable to take Arava with other drugs? Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbs, and any prescription or OTC medications you are taking for conditions other than RA. Most medicines can be given with Arava. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken cholestyramine, rifampicin, methotrexate, auranofin (oral gold), azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine. You may need additional monitoring when Arava is taken with some of these medications. Arava Can I take if I am pregnant or want to become pregnant? No. Your doctor will verify that you are not pregnant before you start you Arava treatment. Your doctor will also advise on the risks of birth defects if you become pregnant while taking Arava. ARAVA should not be used in pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, who are not using reliable birth control because ARAVA may increase the risk of birth defects. You can be exposed to an increased risk of death of your unborn child or have a child with a birth defect if: You are pregnant when you start taking Arava You are pregnant while you are taking Arava You do not expect to become pregnant before they stopped taking Arava and monitoring the elimination of drug procedure described below Can I take Arava if I try to father a child? The information available does not suggest that Arava taken by the father would be associated with an increased risk for the unborn child. To minimize any possible risk, men wishing to father a child should consider discontinuing use of Arava and taking cholestyramine 8 grams 3 times daily for 11 days. What about the use of birth control with Arava? If you are currently taking or have ceased Arava Arava, and are going through the process of elimination of drugs required, you and your partner must take every precaution to prevent pregnancy. Both partners should use reliable birth control, as recommended by your doctor. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you contact your doctor immediately if your menstrual cycle is late or if for any other reason, you think that you may be pregnant. If you are a woman of childbearing potential and to discontinue Arava treatment for any reason, you must undergo drug elimination procedure described below. What is the procedure for eliminating drug Arava? After abandoning Arava, the doctor will prescribe a drug elimination procedure consisting of a full 11 days of cholestyramine, 8 grams, 3 times a day, followed by 2 separate laboratory blood tests at least 14 days for provide a very low level of drug Your body . If your drug levels are too high, your doctor may recommend other drugs eradication of drugs. After the elimination process drugs, the risk of having a baby with a birth defect is very low and should not be higher than the risk in the general population. If you do not follow the procedure for the elimination of drugs, it could take up to 2 years to achieve this very low level of drugs in the blood. Others who should not take Arava. Those who should not take Arava include: Anyone who is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the Arava Nursing mothers Patients with severe immune deficiencies or uncontrolled severe infections If you have other health conditions such as kidney problems, talk to your doctor. Arava can affect my liver? Arava can cause an increase in liver enzymes or, in rare cases, damage to the liver, with the possibility of putting their lives at risk. Therefore, your doctor will monitor your liver enzyme blood test to check for problems and, if necessary, adjust or interrupting your dose of Arava. Liver blood tests are performed at the beginning of treatment, a month for 6 months and then, once the liver enzymes are stable, every 6 to 8 weeks. Liver Blood tests are necessary because of the possibility of liver in people taking Arava. Arava is not recommended for patients with significant liver disease or hepatitis B or C. In clinical studies with Arava, liver enzymes were elevated in many patients Arava In clinical studies, most of the increases were usually mild and resolved, while continuing treatment Few patients have stopped taking Arava due to a rise in their liver function Arava can affect my blood? With Arava, you can develop very low blood, especially if you are taking other medicines. To verify the presence of this potential problem, your doctor will monitor your blood regularly and, if necessary, stop the treatment. As for the monitoring of the liver, your blood will be evaluated when you begin Arava, and a month for 6 months, then every 6 to 8 weeks. However, if you take Arava with another drug that could stifle your bone marrow, as methotrexate blood monitoring should be done every month. Arava is not recommended for anyone with serious problems with the immune system or severe, uncontrolled infection. If a serious infection occurs, Arava may need to be arrested. Contact your doctor immediately if you think you have signs of infection. What are the most common side effects associated with Arava therapy? The majority of people with RA are in a position to take Arava without experiencing side effects. In clinical trials involving 1.339 people, the most common side effects associated with Arava were: Diarrhea 17% Elevated liver enzymes 5% Loss or thinning hair 10% Rash 10% Are there any other side effects I could experience with Arava? Your doctor can prescribe medication if you develop stomach or digestive problems. If you see one of the side effects or other problems, talk to your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: Cough or shortness of breath Rash or skin ulceration Wounds in the mouth Ecchymoses or bleeding Frequent infections Fever, fatigue or unusual paleness Abdominal pain Jaundice (yellowing of skin color) Also, if you notice any side effects that are not listed but you, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
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