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Arava and Other Illnesses
Compared with methotrexate (an
older drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis), FDA records
show more reports of lymphoma, high blood pressure and a life-threatening
autoimmune disorder called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome among
Arava users, although there were more than 5.5 times more
prescriptions filled for methotrexate than Arava from 1998
to 2001.
Arava and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, severe, and sometimes
fatal form of auto-immune disease. Symptoms include lesions
in the mouth and eyes, headache, fever, fatigue, and conjunctivitis.
Twelve cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome have been reported
in Arava patients; methotrexate patients reported none.
Arava and Kidney Problems
The kidneys are involved in the elimination of Arava from
the body. People with reduced kidney function need to be cautious
about taking Arava, and Arava is not eliminated by dialysis.
Arava and Immune System Suppression and Cancer
Because Arava suppresses the immune system, it should not
be taken by people with ongoing infection, people with bone
marrow problems, or those infected with the AIDS virus. Patients
taking Arava should also not receive live virus vaccinations
(such as with rubella or polio).
If you are taking Arava, you should be cautious about being
exposed to people with active, serious virus infections or
those recently vaccinated with a live virus. You may also
have reduced protection from vaccinations.
The risk of cancer is also increased with some immunosuppressive
drugs like Arava.
Arava and Hypertension
Hypertension has been linked to Arava in some patients. When
compared with people taking methotrexate, Arava patients reported
thirteen times more cases of hypertension.
Arava and Allergic Reactions
There are rare reports of persons being allergic to leflunomide,
in which case they may get any of the symptoms associated
with drug allergy.
Elimination of Arava
Another danger of the Arava is how long it remains in body
tissues. Eliminating Arava from the body is done with a drug
called cholestyramine. Without taking cholestyramine, it may
take 2 years for the body to eliminate Arava. Even if patients
stop taking Arava after an adverse reaction, the damage could
continue to affect them for months.
Arava, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Other Illnesses
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