Leflunomide Benefits & Uses

Leflunomide is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Leflunomide Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 20 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Initial dose: 100 mg orally once a day for 3 days, dose may decrease 10 mg, OD
Geriatric	Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis Before or After Meal: After Meal Single Maximum Dose: 20 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: Initial dose: 100 mg orally once a day for 3 days, dose may decrease 10 mg, OD

Leflunomide Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Leflunomide is used -

Moderate

Increased Liver Enzymes
Chest Pain
Hypertension
Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

Mild

Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Dyspepsia
Rash
Joint pain
Dizziness
Cough
Stomach ache (Read More - Home remedies for stomach pain)
Throat Irritation
Diarrhoea
Infection
Weakness

Leflunomide Related Warnings

Is the use of Leflunomide safe for pregnant women?

Pregnant women may get severe side effects after taking Leflunomide. If you are pregnant, do not take Leflunomide without a doctor's advice.

Severe
Is the use of Leflunomide safe during breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding may experience severe harmful effects after taking Leflunomide. It should only be taken after medical advice.

Severe
What is the effect of Leflunomide on the Kidneys?

There may be some adverse effects on kidney after taking Leflunomide. If you observe any such side effects, stop taking this drug. Consume this medicine again only if your doctor advises you to do so.

Moderate
What is the effect of Leflunomide on the Liver?

The liver can be affected by Leflunomide. If you experience any unwanted effects of this drug, stop taking it and consult your doctor. You should restart Leflunomide only after medical advice.

Moderate
What is the effect of Leflunomide on the Heart?

You may experience side effects on your heart after taking Leflunomide. If this happens, then discontinue its use. Consult your medical practitioner, and do as he/she suggests.

Moderate

Severe Interaction of Leflunomide with Other Drugs

Leflunomide should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Severe

Paracetamol

Chlorpheniramine,Paracetamol,Phenylephrine

Paracetamol,Tramadol

Amiodarone

Aspirin

Moderate

Chlorpropamide

Warfarin

Leflunomide Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Leflunomide unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Tuberculosis (TB)
Peripheral Neuropathy
Allergy
Liver Disease
Lung Disease
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Disease

Frequently asked Questions about Leflunomide

Is this Leflunomide habit forming or addictive?

No, you will not get addicted to Leflunomide.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Yes, you can comfortably use machinery or drive after taking Leflunomide since it will not make you feel sleepy.

Safe
Is it safe?

Yes, Leflunomide is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

Leflunomide is unable to treat or cure mental disorders.

No

Leflunomide Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Leflunomide

Due to a lack of research, nothing can be said about the consequences of taking Leflunomide together with food.

Unknown
Interaction between Alcohol and Leflunomide

Due to lack of research, nothing can be said about side effects of consuming alcohol while taking Leflunomide.

Unknown