LEFLUNOMIDE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (leh-FLEW-no-mide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arava
GENERIC NAME(S): leflunomide
Uses
USES: This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation).
How to use LEFLUNOMIDE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. You may be instructed to take a higher dose for the first 3 days of treatment. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. After treatment is stopped, a different drug (cholestyramine) may be given as directed to help remove leflunomide from your body. This procedure is used if you need a rapid removal of the drug from your system (e.g., a female/male planning to have children, a person suffering from severe side effects). Without the procedure, the drug may stay 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
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Faq for LEFLUNOMIDE - ORAL
Leflunomide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Leflunomide works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the joints.
Common side effects of leflunomide include diarrhea, hair loss, headache, and nausea. Rare but serious side effects may include liver problems and lung problems.
It may take several weeks or months for leflunomide to show its full effects on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Leflunomide may interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
Leflunomide is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to its potential harm to the unborn baby or nursing infant.
Yes, regular blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function and ensure that leflunomide is not causing any adverse effects on the blood cells.
Leflunomide is not generally recommended for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Warning
WARNING: Leflunomide must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause serious harm (possibly death) to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. They must also use reliable forms of birth control before starting leflunomide, while taking it, and after stopping it until they have finished taking another drug that helps leflunomide leave the body and confirmed through 2 blood tests that the leflunomide levels are very low (see How to Use section). If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away (see Precautions section). This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Most cases occur within 6 months of taking this drug. If you already have liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), leflunomide should not be used. Liver function (blood) tests must be performed periodically while taking leflunomide. Tell your doctor right away if you notice dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, light-colored stools, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. See Drug Interactions section.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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