Arava® Tablets for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arava® is a prescription disease-modifying antirheumatic medicine used for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. You can order through a Canadian pharmacy model with Ships from Canada to US for added convenience. If you compare options, you can also review Arava price without insurance to understand your out-of-pocket planning.

What Arava Is and How It Works

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Arava® contains leflunomide, a conventional DMARD. Its active metabolite inhibits de novo pyrimidine synthesis, which can reduce T-cell proliferation and downstream inflammatory activity in joints. This medicine may help decrease pain, swelling, and morning stiffness when used as directed by your prescriber. Effects build with continued use and regular monitoring is important.

This treatment is taken orally and is often part of a broader care plan that can include exercise, physical therapy, and routine lab checks. Your clinician will decide if monotherapy or combination therapy fits your situation. Always follow the official label and your prescription directions.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with active rheumatoid arthritis who need a disease-modifying option. It is not approved for children. People with severe liver disease, significant immunodeficiency, very low blood counts, or known hypersensitivity to leflunomide should avoid it. Discuss your full medical history with your healthcare professional before starting.

Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and until drug levels are adequately cleared, as the medicine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Effective contraception is required for people who can become pregnant and is also advised for partners of people taking this drug when relevant. If pregnancy occurs or is planned, contact your prescriber promptly.

For more background on the condition and options, see our overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis and learn about related conditions such as Psoriatic Arthritis.

Dosage and Usage

Take the tablets exactly as prescribed. Many regimens use once-daily dosing. Some prescribers begin with a short loading period, then continue with a maintenance schedule. If stomach upset occurs, taking the dose with food may help. Swallow whole with water and take at the same time each day.

Your clinician may adjust your plan based on response, lab results, and tolerability. Routine monitoring often includes liver enzymes and blood counts. Do not change your dose or stop without speaking to your prescriber. Refer to the official label for complete instructions.

Strengths and Forms

Leflunomide tablets are available in 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. Availability can vary by manufacturer and market. Packaging and tablet appearance may differ between brand and generic sources.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to catch up. Try to maintain a consistent daily schedule to support steady effects.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom. When traveling, keep your medicine in your carry-on, with your prescription label and a copy of your most recent instructions. Use the original container to prevent mix-ups, and allow extra time at security checkpoints if requested.

Benefits

This medicine is a well-established conventional DMARD used to help reduce joint inflammation and slow disease activity. Many people appreciate once-daily oral dosing and the ability to coordinate care with other therapies. Consistent use, monitoring, and follow-up visits support safer, more predictable results.

Side Effects and Safety

• Digestive upset, including nausea or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Infections such as colds or bronchitis
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hair thinning
• Rash or itching
• Increased blood pressure

Serious risks can include severe liver injury, bone marrow suppression, severe infections, and rare lung problems. The drug can cause birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during therapy and until levels are adequately cleared. If severe reactions occur, contact a healthcare professional right away. If you also use insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes, monitor for low blood sugar if advised, as illness and appetite changes can alter glucose control.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use. Interactions can occur with warfarin and other blood thinners, certain hepatotoxic agents, some immunosuppressants, and cholestyramine or activated charcoal, which can markedly reduce circulating levels. Live vaccines are typically avoided during treatment. Alcohol can increase liver risk; ask your clinician about safe limits. Regular lab monitoring is important to detect changes early.

What to Expect Over Time

Improvements may build gradually with sustained use. Your clinician may assess joint pain, swelling, and function over follow-up visits. Staying on a consistent routine, tracking symptoms, and completing lab work can help your care team assess whether adjustments are needed. If you plan surgery or want to become pregnant, discuss timing well in advance, as washout protocols may be required.

Compare With Alternatives

Biologic agents are often considered when conventional options are not enough. Injectable TNF inhibitors such as Humira® may be used in moderate to severe disease. Targeted oral JAK inhibitors like Xeljanz® Xr are another class for adults who meet specific criteria. NSAIDs such as meloxicam or naproxen can help with symptoms but do not modify disease progression. Your prescriber will weigh risks, monitoring needs, and treatment goals.

To learn more about options and approaches, read our article on Arthritis Drugs and explore Common Forms Of Arthritis. You can also browse related therapies within our Immunology category.

Pricing and Access

Many patients look for savings compared with local cash-pay quotes. Check our current listings for leflunomide tablet options, see available pack sizes, and compare total costs. For convenience and value, we provide US shipping from Canada on eligible orders. For reference, you can review Leflunomide price and Buy leflunomide to understand how generic options compare across pack sizes.

Want a deal? See current offers on our Promotions page when available. Pricing can vary by manufacturer and supply. Savings depend on your prescriber’s directions and the quantity you choose.

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Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary over time. If a specific brand is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a generic equivalent. We list available manufacturers on product pages when known. If your clinician prefers a particular source, include that request so our team can assess options. Some patients prefer brand while others prefer generic; discuss equivalence with your healthcare professional. If you are comparing options, consider Arava Canadian pricing alongside generic quotes to see how they line up.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with active rheumatoid arthritis who need a conventional DMARD and can complete regular lab monitoring. People with advanced liver disease, severe immunodeficiency, or who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not use this medicine. Your prescriber will assess risks and benefits.

To save on ongoing therapy, ask your clinician about multi-month fills when appropriate. Ordering a longer supply can reduce per-fill fees and cut the number of shipments. Set refill reminders in your calendar so you don’t run short. Review therapeutic goals at each visit to confirm continued need. If costs are a concern, compare Arava cost with generic pricing and consider available pack sizes.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• How will we monitor my liver enzymes and blood counts?
• What signs of infection should I report right away?
• Could I combine this with other DMARDs or biologics?
• What is the plan if I want to become pregnant?
• How long should I try this therapy before reassessing?
• Are there any vaccines I should receive before starting?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing information and safety details, review these official references:

• FDA DailyMed: Leflunomide
• Health Canada DPD: Arava
• Sanofi (Manufacturer)

Ready to get started? Place your order with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required, and enjoy US delivery from Canada after your prescription is verified. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace your prescriber’s advice.