Leflunomide is prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where the immune system fails to recognize the body’s own tissues and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints.
The medication aids in reducing joint damage, pain, and swelling, ultimately improving mobility.
Leflunomide functions by weakening the immune system and decreasing inflammation in the joints.
Dosage and administration
Take leflunomide by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Follow your doctor’s prescription precisely, and you might be instructed to take a higher dose for the first 3 days of treatment.
The dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take the medication regularly to maximize its benefits. To aid in remembering, take it at the same time daily.
After discontinuing treatment, your doctor may prescribe a different drug (cholestyramine) to assist in removing leflunomide from your body. This is done if rapid removal is necessary, such as for those planning to have children or experiencing severe side effects. Without this procedure, the drug may persist in your body for up to 2 years. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Side effects
Common side effects of leflunomide include diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication is prescribed because your doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risk of side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
Notify your doctor immediately if you observe serious side effects, such as cough, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, hair loss, chest pain, fast/pounding heartbeat, increased thirst/urination, muscle cramp/pain, mental/mood changes, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual growths/lumps, unexplained weight loss, or unusual tiredness.
Regularly check your blood pressure, as this medication may elevate it. Inform your doctor if the results are high.
Leflunomide may reduce your ability to fight infections, increasing the risk of serious or worsened infections. Seek medical help if you experience signs of infection, such as a persistent sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or chills.
While very rare, a severe allergic reaction to this drug may occur. Seek medical help if you notice symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Leflunomide can cause a mild rash, usually not serious. However, seek immediate medical help if you develop any rash, as it may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
This list does not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to leflunomide, teriflunomide, or other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may also cause allergic reactions.
Before using this medication, disclose your medical history, especially if you have an immune system disorder, current/recent infection (such as tuberculosis), cancer, bone marrow/blood disorder, kidney disease, liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), alcohol abuse, heart disease (such as heart failure), high blood pressure, or lung disease.
Leflunomide may cause dizziness. Avoid activities that require alertness, and refrain from alcohol or marijuana use, as they can enhance dizziness. Alcohol consumption may also lead to liver disease.
Do not undergo immunizations/vaccinations without your doctor’s approval, and avoid contact with individuals who have recently received oral polio or nasal flu vaccines.
Leflunomide may increase the risk of infections or worsen existing infections. Stay away from individuals with easily spread infections (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection.
Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Both men and women must use effective birth control methods while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control.
It is unknown whether this medication affects sperm. To minimize potential risks, the manufacturer suggests that men wishing to father a child should consider stopping the medication and using another drug (cholestyramine) as directed to help eliminate this drug from the body before attempting to conceive. Consult your doctor for more details.
This drug may pass into breast milk, potentially causing undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional information
Brand Name:
Arava
Scientific Name:
Leflunomide
Other Names:
Arava, Leflunomide
Strength(s):
10mg, 20mg, 100mg
Quantities Available:
3, 12, 30, 60, 90
Formulation:
Tablet
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Arava
Leflunomide
