Arava (leflunomide) is a prescription drug manufactured by Aventis Pharma for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on September 10, 1998, it is estimated that 1.5 million prescriptions for Arava have been filled in the United States. However, 56 Arava users have been hospitalized and 22 fatally injured after consuming this drug. If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects after taking Arava, the victim may be eligible for compensation. For more information, contact the Arava injury lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan today at (888) 213-8140.

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About Arava

One of the more common drugs prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis is called Arava, which is also known as leflunomide. Arava, manufactured by Aventis Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 1998 and has been in fairly widespread use ever since.

…it can also cause serious health problems that far outweigh its benefits…

Arava works by stopping the development of immune cells that cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain, and it can be an effective arthritis treatment. Unfortunately, however, it can also cause serious health problems that far outweigh its benefits. Recent reports have indicated that hundreds of arthritis patients have suffered liver problems after taking Arava. The most serious cases have required a liver transplant, and some patients have even died. In addition, Arava has been linked to multiple cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that is very rare and often fatal. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome causes lesions in the mouth, eyes, and body.

FDA Petitioned For Removal of Arava

On March 28, 2002, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA for the removal of Arava. The petition to the FDA states that, “from when it was first marketed in late September 1998 through September 2001, Arava has been associated with at least 130 severe hepatic reactions including 56 hospitalizations and 22 deaths, two of whom were patients in their twenties.”

Contact Our Arava Lawyers Today

If you believe that you may be suffering side effects as a result of taking Arava, see your doctor at once. You should also contact the personal injury lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan to determine if you may have a legal claim. Accordingly, if you believe you may have a claim against the manufacturer of Arava, you should not hesitate to seek legal advice from a lawyer with experience in this area.

Call us today toll free at (888) 213-8140 for your free case review.