Arava Lawyer - Frequently Asked Arava Questions

What is Arava® and why is it a problem?

Arava®, generically known as leflunomide, is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Its main purpose is to reduce pain and swelling. It has also been prescribed to patients with conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis.

Arava® is a problem because it has been linked to serious health conditions and fatalities in several patients. It has been associated with severe liver toxicity, as well as blood disorders, high blood pressure, lymphoma, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, skin disorders, and death. There is some evidence that Arava® can also cause birth defects.

Additionally, Arava® is a cause for concern because of how long it stays in the body. Even several months after a patient has stopped taking Arava®, they may still suffer damaging side-effects. The drug lingers in the patient’s body for much longer than most other drugs, where it can continue to do harm. Normal ‘wash-out’ procedures designed to remove drugs from the body don’t seem to work against Arava® in patients who are suffering from its toxic effects.

What are the symptoms of liver damage?

While liver damage can only be diagnosed by a blood test, common symptoms include:

nausea
vomiting
dark urine
abdominal pain
fatigue
anorexia
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
loss of appetite
significant weight loss
hair loss

Even if you are not exhibiting any of these symptoms, if you have been taking Arava®, and have noticed any changes in your general health, it is recommended you visit your doctor immediately, to check for damage to your liver.

Why is liver damage so dangerous?

The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs. It is responsible for regulating a large amount of body functions. The liver produces bile, which is used to digest fats. If bile production is interrupted, jaundice results. The liver synthesizes proteins and helps retain fluid within the blood vessels. Without protein synthesis, swelling of the body tissues will occur. The liver makes blood-clotting factors, without which, there is an increased chance of hemorrhage. It also metabolizes hormones and medications. When damaged, its ability to metabolize decreases. The liver regulates glucose levels. If there is an injury to the liver, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia can result. Finally, the liver converts ammonia, the by-product of metabolism, into less toxic urea. If ammonia is not converted, its levels rise within the blood. This can result in a severe neurological syndrome that can be fatal.

What should I do if I’ve been taking Arava®?

If you feel that you have been adversely affected as a result of Arava®, contact your doctor immediately. Have them give you a blood test to check for liver toxicity. Also see your doctor if you have had severe diarrhea, hair loss, or any other changes in your general health.

You might also want to ask your doctor about a medication known as methotrexate. Methotrexate has been shown to be as effective as Arava® in treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but has far fewer incidences of toxicity and adverse reactions than Arava®.

What kind of legal action should I take?

Weitz & Luxenberg is currently seeking to represent individual clients who have suffered significantly as a result of taking Arava®. This is not a class action suit, where many people who have been harmed by the same product sue the manufacturer as a group. Instead, if your injuries are significantly serious, Weitz & Luxenberg will represent your suit individually.

Will I be suing my doctor?

It is unlikely you will file a suit against your physician. The primary liability claim is against Aventis, the manufacturer of Arava®. You will not make a medical malpractice claim against your own doctor. The main legal issue relates to the defective product, in this case, Arava®, not to any negligence on your doctor’s part.

Do I have to pay for legal services?

The firm of Weitz & Luxenberg accepts cases solely on a contingency basis. This means that you only have to pay the firm if our attorneys win financial compensation for you. If no money is awarded, you generally do not have to pay any fees to the firm at all. Costs and expenses may be payable at the conclusion of the case.

How do I know which law firm to retain?

Weitz & Luxenberg practices in the areas of mass torts and product liability lawsuits. It has set the highest standard for successfully litigating mass tort claims and is highly experienced in national litigations. We are currently representing individuals in asbestos, DES, Propulsid, Rezulin, and Fen-Phen claims, among others. Staffed with more than 50 attorneys with a variety of specialties and decades of experience, Weitz & Luxenberg is uniquely suited to serve your best interests.

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