Do you live with joint pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis? If so, your doctor may have prescribed Leflunomide tablets to help you feel better.
This medicine often comes under the brand name Arava. When you take this medicine, you must know several important safety details to protect your health.
Let us look closely at how Leflunomide works and what you need to keep in mind every single day.
Key Takeaways About Leflunomide
- Leflunomide is a strong medicine prescribed to treat active rheumatoid arthritis.
- You must never become pregnant while taking this medicine because it causes severe birth defects.
- Regular blood tests are required to check your liver health and blood cell counts.
- Tell your doctor about every other medicine, vitamin, or herbal supplement you take.
- Call your doctor right away if you notice yellow skin, unusual bruising, or signs of infection.
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What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting This Medicine
Before you take your first dose of Leflunomide, you must share your complete medical history with your doctor. Being honest about your health helps prevent serious complications.
Make sure you tell your doctor right away if you have any of the medical conditions listed in the table below.
| Condition to Report | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy or Family Planning | Extremely important. You must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for a long time after stopping. |
| Breastfeeding | The medicine can pass through breast milk and harm your nursing baby. |
| Liver or Kidney Disease | Leflunomide places stress on your liver and can worsen existing organ problems. |
| Weak Immune System | This medicine lowers your immune defenses even further. |
| Low Blood Cell Counts | Conditions affecting white cells, red cells, or platelets need careful monitoring. |
| Other Chronic Illnesses | Inform your doctor about diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, tuberculosis, or cancer history. |
| Recent Vaccines | Certain vaccines may not be safe while your immune system is suppressed. |
| Allergies | Report any past allergic reaction to Leflunomide, Teriflunomide, or other medicines. |
How to Use This Medicine Correctly
Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Never skip doses, change your dose, or stop taking the medicine on your own. Always follow your doctor's exact instructions for the best results.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely.
Simply continue with your next dose at the normal time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed pill.
What to Do If You Take Too Much
If you think you took too many tablets by mistake, act fast. Go right away to the nearest hospital emergency department.
You can also call your local emergency services or poison control center for immediate medical guidance.
This medicine is prescribed only for you. Never share your Leflunomide tablets with anyone else, even if they have the exact same symptoms.
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Check Availability →Other Medicines That Can Interacting With Leflunomide
Leflunomide can react poorly with many other medicines. For this reason, tell your doctor about every prescription drug, over-the-counter pill, vitamin, and herbal supplement you take.
| Drug Category | Examples and Warning |
|---|---|
| Do Not Combine | Teriflunomide must never be taken alongside Leflunomide because they work in identical ways. |
| Diabetes Medicines | Drugs like nateglinide, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone may interact. |
| Cholesterol Medicines | Statins like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin require close monitoring. |
| Other Drugs | Blood thinners like warfarin, methotrexate, birth control pills, and cholestyramine need careful review. |
This list does not include every possible interaction. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist to keep your treatment safe.
Things to Watch Out For While Taking This Medicine
Regular Medical Checkups
While you take Leflunomide, your doctor will need to monitor your health closely. You will need routine blood tests to check your blood cell counts and liver function.
Never miss these scheduled laboratory appointments. They help catch potential problems before they become serious.
Serious Skin Reactions
Severe skin reactions can happen even weeks after starting this medicine. Watch your skin closely for unexpected changes.
If you experience a fever, body aches, red rash, blistering skin, or peeling skin, tell your doctor right away. Swollen lymph nodes or facial swelling are also major warning signs.
Important Note: Leflunomide can stay in your body for up to two years after you take your last pill. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly during this entire period.
Pregnancy and Birth Control
This section is critical for women of childbearing potential. You must prevent pregnancy completely while taking Leflunomide.
This medicine causes severe birth defects in an unborn baby. Because the drug stays in your body for a long time after stopping, you must use reliable birth control until your doctor confirms through blood tests that the medicine is fully cleared.
If you plan to start a family, talk with your doctor before starting treatment. They will explain safe ways to plan for the future.
Side Effects of Leflunomide
Like all medicines, Leflunomide can cause side effects. Some reactions are mild. This others require immediate medical attention.
| Side Effect Type | What to Look For and Do |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, or swelling of your face, lips, and tongue. Seek help right away. |
| Liver Damage Signs | Dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, right upper belly pain, nausea, and poor appetite. |
| Infection Signs | Fever, chills, persistent cough, or sore throat due to lowered immune defenses. |
| Bleeding Signs | Unexplained bruising, black tarry stools, or blood in your urine. |
| Common Side Effects | Mild diarrhea, headache, hair thinning, nausea, and fatigue. Report these if they persist. |
When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
Call 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), or your local emergency number right away, or go to the nearest Emergency Department (ER / A&E) if you experience severe breathing trouble, sudden facial swelling, signs of severe allergic shock, or uncontrollable bleeding.
How to Store Leflunomide Tablets Safely
Keep your medicine safely stored away from children and pets at all times.
Store your tablets at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect them from excess moisture and direct light.
Never keep expired medicines. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of old pills safely.
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