Leflunomide
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Leflunomide 10mg Tablets
Manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
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Leflunomide 20mg Tablets
Manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
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Leflunomide Prescription Drug Information
Leflunomide (By mouth)
Leflunomide (le-FLOO-noe-mide)
Treats rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
Brand Name(s):Arava
There may be other brand names for Leflunomide.
When Leflunomide Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Leflunomide if you have had an allergic reaction to leflunomide, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Use Leflunomide:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Leflunomide to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If a dose of Leflunomide is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Leflunomide:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Leflunomide:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cholestyramine (Questran®), methotrexate, rifampin (Rifadin®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
- Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving Leflunomide. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using Leflunomide.
Warnings While Using Leflunomide:
- Using Leflunomide while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using Leflunomide, tell your doctor right away. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), a severe or untreated infection, lung disease, a history of tuberculosis, or a history of blood or bone marrow problems.
- Serious skin reactions can occur with Leflunomide. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking Leflunomide: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; chills; itching; joint or muscle pain; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Liver problems may occur while you are using Leflunomide. Stop using Leflunomide and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin.
- Leflunomide lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
- Check with your doctor right away if you have a cough with or without a fever, shortness of breath, or any difficulty with breathing.
- You will need to have a skin test for tuberculosis before you start using Leflunomide. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculosis test.
- You will need to have your blood pressure measured before starting Leflunomide and while you are using it. If you notice any change to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using Leflunomide. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using Leflunomide:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Fast, irregular, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
- Shortness of breath.
- Wheezing or trouble with breathing.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Leflunomide, talk with your doctor:
- Back pain.
- Diarrhea, stomach pain or upset.
- Hair loss.
- Headache.
- Lack or loss of strength.
- Rash.
- Stuffy or runny nose.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Leflunomide, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
