Arava 20 mg Tablet belongs to the group of medicines called 'anti-rheumatic agents' used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis (red patches of skin with silvery scales). 

Arava 20 mg Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. 

Take Arava 20 mg Tablet at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause common side-effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause serious congenital disabilities. Arava 20 mg Tablet should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Arava 20 mg Tablet as it could lead to increased dizziness and liver damage. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Arava 20 mg Tablet belongs to the group of medicines called anti-rheumatic agents used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Arava 20 mg Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) which inhibits an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and has antiproliferative activity (suppresses the cell growth). Thereby, helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Do not take Arava 20 mg Tablet if you are allergic to leflunomide, have severe liverkidney problems, low levels of protein in the blood, immune system problems, bone marrow problems, or serious infections. Arava 20 mg Tablet is not recommended to be used in pregnant women, lactating mothers and people below 18 years of age. Talk to your doctor before taking Arava 20 mg Tablet if you have/had serious infections like interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lungs), tuberculosis (TB), or pneumonia. Arava 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Arava 20 mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; notify the doctor if you develop infections, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.

• Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
• Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
• Get adequate sleep as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
• De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
• Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
• Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function after starting Arava 20 mg Tablet , and for every 6-8 weeks are advised.

Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (where the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty in moving and swelling. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have intense joint pain (especially knee joint) with stiffness. 

Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (inflammatory arthritis). It mainly affects large joints in the lower extremities, distal joints of toes and fingers, back and pelvis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, swelling, patches of red, scaly skin and pain.