Arava(leflunomide)

Leflunomide is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: active rheumatoid arthritis as a 'disease-modifying antirheumatic drug' (DMARD); active psoriatic arthritis. Recent or concurrent treatment with hepatotoxic or haematotoxic DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate) may result in an increased risk of serious adverse reactions; therefore, the initiation of leflunomide treatment has to be carefully considered regarding these benefit / risk aspects. Moreover, switching from leflunomide to another DMARD without following the washout procedure may also increase the risk of serious adverse reactions even for a long time after the switching.