Uses of Leflu: - Rheumatoid arthritis - Psoriatic arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis Significant hepatic impairment, compromised immune function including bone marrow dysplasia or severe uncontrolled infection; concurrent vaccination with live vaccines. Pregnancy, lactation.

Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Leflunomide is an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which inhibits de novo pyrimidine synthesis and has anti-proliferative activity. Following oral administration, it is rapidly metabolized to A771726, which is active in vitro and is presumed to be the active drug in vivo. Leflunomide has demonstrated prophylactic and therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune disease. In addition, leflunomide has exhibited anti-inflammatory and weak analgesic and antipyretic activity. In a model of experimental septicemia, leflunomide did not alter the resistance of mice to bacterial pathogens.

How to use Leflunomide: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Leflunomide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. Adult Dose: Oral Rheumatoid arthritis; Psoriatic arthritis Adult: Loading dose: 100 mg once daily for 3 days. Maintenance: 10-20 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Contraindicated. Child Dose: Safety and efficacy not established Renal Dose: Renal impairment: Mild: No dosage adjustment needed. Moderate to Severe: Contraindicated.

Cholestyramine and activated charcoal may decrease plasma concentration of active metabolite. Concurrent use of methotrexate and other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Rifampicin increases serum levels of the active metabolite. Potentially Fatal: May enhance the adverse effects of live vaccines.

Significant hepatic impairment, compromised immune function including bone marrow dysplasia or severe uncontrolled infection; concurrent vaccination with live vaccines. Pregnancy, lactation.

Common - Nausea - Headache - Rash - Diarrhea - Increased liver enzymes - Respiratory tract infection >10% Diarrhea (17%),Respiratory infections (15%) 1-10% (selected) Alopecia (10%),Hypertension (10%),Rash (10%),Nausea (9%),Bronchitis (7%),Headache (7%),Abdominal pain (5%),Abnormal LFT's (5%),Accidental injury (5%),Back pain (5%),Dyspepsia (5%),UTI (5%),Dizziness (4%),Infection (4%),Joint disorder (4%),Pruritus (4%),Weight loss (4%),Anorexia (3%),Cough (3%),Gastroenteritis (3%),Pharyngitis (3%),Stomatitis (3%),Tenosynovitis (3%),Vomiting (3%),Weakness (3%),Allergic reaction (2%),Chest pain (2%),Dry skin (2%),Eczema (2%),Pain (2%),Paresthesia (2%),Pneumonia (2%),Rhinitis (2%),Sinusitis (2%),Synovitis (2%) Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity.

Leflunomide is not recommended for pregnant women. Pregnancy must be avoided during leflunomide treatment or prior to the completion of the drug elimination procedure after leflunomide treatment. Leflunomide should not be used by nursing mothers. It is not known whether leflunomide is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from leflunomide. Therefore, a decision should be made whether to proceed with nursing or initiate treatment with leflunomide, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Precaution: Renal and hepatic impairment; Women with childbearing potential. Caution should be taken for those female with child bearing potential who are not using reliable contraception and for the subject of renal insufficiency. Leflunomide should be stopped before becoming pregnant. Liver function should be monitored before starting treatment. Monitor blood counts and BP regularly. Avoid alcohol. Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk

There is no human experience regarding leflunomide over dosage. In the event of a significant overdose or toxicity, cholestyramine or charcoal administration is recommended to accelerate elimination.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Leflunomide is an immunomodulating agent and DMARD. It inhibits pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase enzyme activity resulting in antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Leflunomide is not recommended for pregnant women. Pregnancy must be avoided during leflunomide treatment or prior to the completion of the drug elimination procedure after leflunomide treatment. Leflunomide should not be used by nursing mothers. It is not known whether leflunomide is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from leflunomide. Therefore, a decision should be made whether to proceed with nursing or initiate treatment with leflunomide, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.