|
Arava Side Effects
Arava side effects run from mild - such as diarrhea and hair
loss - to serious, including the risk of liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity).
Arava may also cause high blood pressure. As with other drugs
that suppress the immune system, infection may be more common
when taking Arava. Taking Arava can also affect the blood
count (one of the effects is that fewer blood cells are made)
and it can make you more likely to develop infections.
Arava is extremely hazardous to an unborn child. It may cause
birth defects or fetal death. Therefore, it should never be
taken by someone who is -- or may become -- pregnant. Males
taking Arava may pass on an increased risk for fetal damage
or death to their unborn child.
Serious Arava side effects may include:
More common
Yellow eyes and/or skin; chest congestion; painful urination;
difficult or painful breathing; dizziness; fever; headache;
loss of appetite; nausea and/or vomiting; sneezing; cough;
or sore throat.
Less common
Burning feeling in chest or stomach; fast heartbeat; tingling
sensation in fingers or toes; chest pain; pounding heartbeat;
severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; and unusual tiredness
or weakness.
 Less
serious Arava side effects may include:
More common
Diarrhea; hair loss; heartburn; skin rash; stomach pain; back
pain; unexplained weight loss.
Less common
Constipation; decreased appetite; dry mouth; gas; fever, stomach
upset, anemia; high levels of liver enzymes.
You should not take Arava if you have:
- Liver disease including
hepatitis B or C
- Kidney problems
- Severe immune system disorders,
bone marrow disorders or severe uncontrolled infection
Or if you take:
- Rifampin (a drug used to
treat tuberculosis)
- Tolbutamide (a drug used
to treat diabetes)
Sometimes treatment to eliminate Arava from the body may be
important. This is done with a drug called cholestyramine.
Without taking cholestyramine, it may take 2 years for the
body to eliminate Arava. Blood tests can determine whether
Arava has been eliminated from the body.
Arava Side Effects
|
