Do you have rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling? If so, your doctor may have prescribed a medication called Leflunomide. It is often sold under the brand name Arava. There are some important things you should know about this medication. Let's talk about it today.
What should I tell the doctor before starting this medication?
Okay, this is very important. Before you start using this medicine, you should give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Do you have these conditions? | Description |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy or planning to have a child | (Very important) You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and even after stopping it. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Liver or kidney disease | May affect liver or kidney function. |
| Immune system weaknesses | This medicine may further reduce immunity. |
| Decreased blood cells | A low level of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. |
| Other medical conditions | Diabetes, high blood pressure, lung diseases (such as asthma), tuberculosis, cancer treatment, nerve disorders (such as numbness in the hands and feet). |
| Getting vaccinated | If you have recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Leflunomide, Teriflunomide, or any other medicine or food. |
How should I use this medicine?
It's simple. Take the dose your doctor has prescribed, at the right time. Swallow the pill with a glass of water . Don't skip meals, change the dose, or stop taking it at your own discretion. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you. It may be dangerous.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Leflunomide is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
|---|---|
| Teriflunomide | |
| Other medications that may cause problems | |
| Diabetes medications | Nateglinide, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone, Pioglitazone etc. |
| Cholesterol medications | Such as Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin. |
| Other medications | Warfarin (blood thinner), Methotrexate, birth control pills, Caffeine, Penicillin, Cholestyramine, Charcoal, and many more. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
Regular medical check-up
Your doctor will need to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. He or she will ask you to have regular blood tests to check things like blood counts and liver function. Be sure to get all of these done correctly.
Serious skin infections
Severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience a red rash, blistering, or peeling skin along with fever and body aches . Also, symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or hives in the neck or armpits can be dangerous.
Very important: This medicine may still be effective in your body for up to 2 years after you last took the last pill. So if you experience any unusual symptoms during this time, tell your doctor .
Pregnancy and birth control (extremely important!)
This is the most important thing you need to know about this medicine.
Women, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Leflunomide. This medication can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. Because its effects remain in the body even after you stop taking it, you should use effective birth control until your doctor has done a blood test to confirm that the drug levels have gone down.
If you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor about it before you start taking the medicine or during your treatment. He or she will tell you how to plan for it safely.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Leflunomide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills , cough, sore throat (this lowers immunity, making you more susceptible to infections). |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Unexplained bruising on the skin, tarry black stools, and blood in the urine. |
| Other serious symptoms | Difficulty breathing, coughing, pain or numbness in the limbs, increased blood pressure. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Headache |
| Hair loss or thinning | Nausea and fatigue |
How to store medicine?
Keep these tablets out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture. Discard expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Leflunomide is a powerful drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Very important: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and after stopping until your doctor approves. Effective birth control is a must.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of liver damage, serious skin infections, or signs of infection.
- Do not skip scheduled medical checkups and blood tests.
- Never share this medicine with others.
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