Avara

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Arava is the brand name of lenflunomide, an

anti-inflammatory

prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Arava reduces pain and

swelling and slows joint damage unlike aspirin and NSAIDs

which only reduce

swelling and pain.

Avara is believed to be as effective as methotrexate or sulfasalazine.

The drug slows joint damage by reducing the production of immune cells

that attack the

joints. It is a tablet treatment which is

equivalent to or perhaps superior to methotrexate.

Its advantages appear to be a fairly rapid onset of action compared to

standard drugs and good tolerability. It may improve the quality of

life and reduce the radiological damage of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Regular blood monitoring will still be necessary.

Since the

introduction of Arava it has been associated with over 130 cases of

severe liver toxicity, including 56 hospitalizations and

12 deaths. Two of those who died were in their 20s. (This is from Strom

Law Firm: 2002)

Another danger of the drug is

that Arava

remains in body tissues for an extremely long time. Warnings already on

its packaging suggest that byproducts could remain in the body for

months, so that even if patients stopped the drug after an adverse

reaction started, the damage could continue to affect patients for

months.

Diarrhea tends to be more

commonly seen with Arava than with methotrexate. Arava does contain lactose so if you are

also lactose intolerant, you might try taking lactase prior to taking

the Arava. Some patients just can't take Arava at all because of the

diarrhea. Others try medications such as Imodium to bind them up.

Hair

loss is quite commonly seen with methotrexate and can be seen with

Arava as well. Supplemental folic acid may help in slowing down the

hair loss. Avara can

cause a rash, and liver problems. It is probably a

good idea to check liver function tests during the course of therapy to

insure that no

damage is occurring to the liver.