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About Arthritis
Common Topics

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

Inflammation and the Immune System
Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

Newly Diagnosed With Arthritis
A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.
Treatments
Common Topics

Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management
Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

Managing Arthritis Care Costs
Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions
Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.
Healthy Living
Common Topics

Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis
Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

Stairs Workout Demo
Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

Arthritis and Mental Health
Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.
Juvenile Arthritis
Common Topics

2023 JA Family Summit
Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

JA Camps
The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer
Professionals
Common Topics

Transforming Clinical Interactions
The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

Fellowships
See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.
- Better Living Toolkits
- Our Issue Briefs
Science
Common Topics

OACS Forum Series
The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

Conquering Childhood Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

Focus
Get Involved
Common Topics

Action Center
Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

Live Yes! INSIGHTS
Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

Live Yes! Podcast
You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

Leflunomide

Drug Class : DMARDs
Brand Names : Arava

Dosages

10 to 20 mg per day in a single dose.

Potential Side Effects

Dizziness; gastrointestinal problems; hair loss; headache; heartburn; high blood pressure; liver problems; low blood cell counts; pain or burning in feet or hands; rash; stomach pain; sneezing; sore throat.

Special Instructions

When planning pregnancy, ask your doctor if you should take the drug cholestyramine to help your body remove leflunomide more quickly.

This drug can cause potential harm to a developing fetus. Use two forms of birth control while taking this drug.

Be Aware

Your doctor should order periodic blood and urine tests to check for unwanted effects. Before taking any DMARD, tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.

LAST UPDATED: 03/27/2014

The Arthritis Today Drug Guide is meant for education – not self-medicating. Arthritis Today, the Arthritis Foundation and the Drug Guide Medical Review Panel do not endorse any products mentioned in this guide. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness of the information provided.

I Want to Contribute

Donate

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.
Volunteer

Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.
Live Yes! INSIGHTS

Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.
Partner

Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate

Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more.

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.

Other Ways to Give

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

Live Yes! INSIGHTS

Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

Get Started

Partner

Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships