Uses

LEFLUNOMIDE is a medication that reduces inflammation and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. The response of the immune system may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide affects this system and is able to slow down the progression of the disease, especially in the affected joints. Leflunomide helps to treat all stages of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide can be used with some of the other medications that are used to treat the inflammation and pain of this condition (for example, aspirin, other salicylates, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen).

How to take

Take leflunomide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take leflunomide with food or milk. Take your doses at the same time every day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to discontinue taking it. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Side Effects

A few side effects occur commonly with leflunomide. They include diarrhea, abdominal pain or nausea, rash, changes in hair texture or growth. In some persons, liver function can be altered. Sometimes the side effects can be more serious. Your prescriber or health care professional will be observing you closely and will monitor blood tests related to your medicine.

Side effects you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
dark yellow or brown urine
diarrhea, especially if severe or does not stop
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
dizziness
fever or chills, cough or sore throat
increases in blood pressure, especially if you are being treated for high blood pressure
pain in the stomach or abdomen
skin rash or hives
ulcers of the mouth or difficulty or pain on swallowing
unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, nose bleeds or bleeding gums
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that do usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in the taste of foods or drinks
changes in the appearance of the fingernails or toenails
hair loss (reversible)
headache
itching of the skin
loss of appetite
nausea, indigestion, or vomiting
weight loss
worsening of joint pain

Precaution

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks and tests to see if your liver is working properly. The side effects of leflunomide can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly. If you are a woman who has the potential to become pregnant, it is important that you discuss birth control options with your prescriber or health care professional prior to taking leflunomide. You must not be pregnant and must be using a reliable form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Leflunomide has the potential to harm an unborn baby. If you think that you might be pregnant at any time during your treatment with leflunomide, you should see your health care provider at once. While you are taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis you might be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your doctor's approval. Call your health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, do not treat yourself. If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking leflunomide. Alcoholic drinks can make you more dizzy and increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking leflunomide.

Drug interactions

some anti-inflammatory medicines
azathioprine
charcoal
cholestyramine
cyclosporine
fosphenytoin
isoniazid
ketoconazole
methotrexate
phenytoin
rifampin
some vaccines
sulfasalazine
tacrine
troglitazone, and some other medicines for diabetes
warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.