About leflunomide
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug
Used for
- Treats rheumatoid arthritis
- Treats active psoriatic arthritis
Usual adult dose
Usually 20 mg once daily; a clinician may start with 10 mg daily or use a loading dose.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, or abdominal pain
- Raised liver enzymes
- Hair thinning or rash
- High blood pressure
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver injury; liver tests are needed.
- Can harm an unborn baby; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and drug elimination.
- May lower blood-cell counts or increase infection risk.
- Can remain in the body for a long time; a washout treatment may be needed.
Pregnancy
Contraindicated because it can cause serious birth defects. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and until drug levels are cleared.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because of possible harm to the infant.
Interactions
- Methotrexate and other medicines that can damage the liver may increase liver risks.
- Warfarin may require closer monitoring of blood clotting.
- Live vaccines should generally be avoided during treatment.
- Cholestyramine or activated charcoal can speed drug elimination.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.