LEFLUNOMIDE (Arava) is the first isoxazol derivative approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide was also the first agent for rheumatoid arthritis indicated for both symptomatic improvement and retardation of structural joint damage based on radiographic evidence of its disease modifying activity.
Leflunomide is the first isoxazol derivative approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is used to reduce inflammation and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide affects this system and is able to slow down the progression of the disease, especially in the affected joints. Leflunomide helps to treat all stages of adult rheumatoid arthritis.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
you have porblems with alcohol
you have an unusual or allergic reaction to Leflunomide, any other medicine, dyes, foods, preservatives, or other substances
you have anemia or blood disorders
you have lung disease or breathing problems
you have cancer or cancer treatments (radiation therapy)
you have liver or kidney disease
you have an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer, cancer chemotherapy, infection with the HIV virus or AIDS, radiation, or steroid therapy)
you have high blood pressure
you have fever or infection
How to use:
Striclty follow your doctor's directions
Advert to Medication Guide if necessary
You may take Leflunomide either with or without food
Don't stop taking Leflunomide until your doctor said so
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember
Avoif taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
While you are taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis you might be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your doctor's approval.
Call your health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, do not treat yourself.
If you are going to have surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking leflunomide.
Alcoholic drinks can make you more dizzy and increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking leflunomide.
What medicines may interact with Leflunomide?
warfarin
NSAIDs
azathioprine
troglitazone
charcoal
tacrine
cholestyramine
sulfasalazine
cyclosporine
some vaccines
doxercalciferol
rifampin
fosphenytoin
ramelteon
isoniazid
methotrexate
ketoconazole
itraconazole
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
dark yellow or brown urine
diarrhea, especially if severe or does not stop
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
dizziness
fever or chills, cough or sore throat
increases in blood pressure, especially if you are being treated for high blood pressure
numbness, pain, or tingling in an arm, hand, leg, or foot
pain in the stomach or abdomen
skin rash or hives
ulcers of the mouth or difficulty or pain on swallowing
unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, nose bleeds or bleeding gums
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
yellowing of eyes or skin
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
change in the taste of foods or drinks
changes in the appearance of the fingernails or toenails
hair loss (reversible)
headache
itching of the skin
loss of appetite
nausea, indigestion, or vomiting
weight loss
worsening of joint pain
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
