Leflunomide

( Arava )

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 15, 2025

Uses


Leflunomide (Arava) Uses

Leflunomide oral is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints, causing pain, swelling, inflammation, and loss of joint function.

There may be other uses for leflunomide—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further leflunomide drug information.

Leflunomide (Arava) Mechanism of Action

Leflunomide works by suppressing the body’s immune response, thereby helping to decrease inflammation and slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis.

Leflunomide (Arava) Doses

Leflunomide tablets are available in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg. The usual recommended dose in adults with rheumatoid arthritis is 100 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days followed by 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once daily as the maintenance dose.