MedlinePlus Drug Information: Leflunomide

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Leflunomide

(le floo' na mide)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top

Pregnant women and women of childbearing age who are not using a reliable method of birth control should not take leflunomide. Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for 2 years after treatment with leflunomide. If your period is late or you miss a period during treatment with leflunomide, call your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor if you plan to become pregnant after stopping treatment with leflunomide. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment that will decrease the risk of harm to the fetus.

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Leflunomide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide decreases the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and slows damage to joints caused by the disease.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Leflunomide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. You will need to take a larger dose for the first 3 days of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take leflunomide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking leflunomide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to leflunomide or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cholestyramine (Cholybar, Questran), colestipol (Colestid), felbamate (Felbatol), mercaptopurine (Purinethol), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), tolbutamide (Orinase), troglitazone (Rezulin), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, hepatitis, severe infections, or conditions affecting the bone marrow or the immune system (including human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]).
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
if you are planning to father a child, you should talk to your doctor about stopping leflunomide prior to conception.
you should not receive any vaccinations while taking leflunomide unless you have talked with your doctor.
you should know that there is a special treatment for removing leflunomide from your body once you stop taking it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about this treatment.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Leflunomide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
hair loss
headache
dizziness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
loss of appetite
weight loss
mouth sores
runny nose
back pain
dry or itchy skin
muscle pain or weakness
flu-like symptoms
urinary tract infection

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

rash
difficulty breathing
chest pain
increased heart rate

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to monitor your response to leflunomide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Arava®

Last Revised - 04/01/2003
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer