What is the most important information I should know about Arava?
Arava is in the FDA pregnancy category X. There is an increased risk of birth defects and death of the unborn baby while taking Arava. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you have become pregnant during treatment. Birth control must be used during treatment with Arava. Discuss with your doctor the procedure for removing Arava from the body following treatment before becoming pregnant. Without the proper drug elimination procedure, it may take up to two years before Arava is at sufficiently low levels in the body so as to reduce the risk of harm to an unborn baby. It is not known whether Arava imposes an increased risk of fetal harm when taken by a man. Men wishing to father a child while taking Arava should discuss their options with their doctor.
