Arava
Leflunomide tablets for rheumatoid arthritis. It stays in the body for weeks after stopping, so side effects may persist long after the last dose.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $87.00 | $2.90 |
| 10mg | 60 tablets | $141.00 | $2.35 |
| 10mg | 90 tablets | $193.00 | $2.14 |
| 10mg | 120 tablets | $246.00 | $2.05 |
| 10mg | 180 tablets | $352.00 | $1.96 |
| 10mg | 270 tablets | $512.00 | $1.90 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $102.00 | $3.40 |
| 20mg | 60 tablets | $167.00 | $2.78 |
| 20mg | 90 tablets | $230.00 | $2.56 |
| 20mg | 120 tablets | $295.00 | $2.46 |
| 20mg | 180 tablets | $421.00 | $2.34 |
| 20mg | 270 tablets | $615.00 | $2.28 |
- Category
- Autoimmune Support
- Active ingredient
- Leflunomide
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 10mg · 20mg
Arava is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Arava on your behalf.
- Condition
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Alternative names
- leflunomide
- Therapeutic class
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- Pharmacological class
- Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitor
- Known off-label uses
- psoriatic arthritis
- Contraindications
- pregnancy; severe hepatic impairment; severe immunodeficiency
- Minor side effects
- diarrhoea; nausea; headache
- Moderate side effects
- hair thinning; elevated liver enzymes; elevated blood pressure
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Sanofi-Aventis
- Onset time
- 4–8 weeks
- Duration
- 1–2 weeks
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Cholestyramine; Warfarin; Methotrexate
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults.
Serious side effects
severe hepatotoxicity, requires immediate medical attention; pancytopenia, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Leflunomide tablets for rheumatoid arthritis. It stays in the body for weeks after stopping, so side effects may persist long after the last dose.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, blocking pyrimidine synthesis and suppressing autoimmune T-cell proliferation.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Highly teratogenic. Do not use under any circumstances during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Contraindicated.
FAQ
Will I receive the original Arava?
No. Arava is the original brand, made by Sanofi-Aventis, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient (leflunomide) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Arava cost in South Africa?
The price varies with strength and pack size. Arava comes in 10mg and 20mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 270 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What other names is Arava sold under?
In South Africa, leflunomide is also sold under brand names such as Rheumalef and Lunar.
What is Arava used for?
Arava contains leflunomide, used for rheumatoid arthritis.
How quickly does Arava work?
Leflunomide usually starts to work within 4 to 8 weeks. The exact timing differs between people.
What side effects can Arava cause?
The common side effects of leflunomide are diarrhoea, nausea and headache. Less common ones include hair thinning, elevated liver enzymes and elevated blood pressure. Serious but less common side effects include severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and pancytopenia, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Arava interact with?
Leflunomide can interact with colestyramine, warfarin and methotrexate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Arava.
Can I buy Arava over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Arava. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy Arava in South Africa?
On Direct Meds: choose the strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Arava names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Leflunomide at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.