Arava was approved in September 1998, and was intended to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. So far, the 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 and 130 additional cases of severe liver problems.

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.

If you or a loved one has been injured while taking Arava, please submit the accompanying form. You may be entitled to monetary awards for your injury!