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drug_recall aravaApproved in September 1998, Arava (leflunomide) was intended to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. So far, Arava anti-inflammatory drug has been prescribed to over 1.5 million people since its 1998 arrival, but has been linked to up to 22 deaths in addition to 130 cases of severe liver problems. A profitable drug for Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Arava made $225 million in worldwide sales for 2001 alone.
Prior to Arava most rheumatoid arthritis sufferers used methotrexate for treatment relief. When Arava was approved, the FDA failed to distinguish an increased effectiveness with the drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis but wanted to allow for a more extensive choice for the patients. The approval of Arava has been controversial due to the reported dangers associated to the drug and its inability to treat rheumatoid arthritis sufferers any better than previous methods. The death rate is 33 times higher when using Arava than when using methotrexate.
In addition to the deaths and high number of liver problems linked to Arava, the life-threatening autoimmune disease Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported in Arava users. Other Arava side effects, like hypertension, are also reported in Arava users, and consumer advocacy group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to remove the drug from the market on March 28, 2001. The American College of Rheumatology later published warnings to doctors and patients in August warning of the serious Arava side effects associated to the drug and urged a monthly blood test for the first six months of using Arava and continued blood tests every two or three months following that.
When FDA medical reviewer David Graham told lawmakers during a congressional hearing on the recall of Vioxx that drugs require stricter safety evaluations, he didn''t stop there. Graham named five other drugs currently on the market that he belie...
Arava(Leflunomide) - A comprehensive source for information and links having to do with the drug Arava
Arthritis Care With Arava - Information on the rheumatoid arthritis drug including side effects such as liver failure and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.