{"id":633142,"date":"2025-08-22T09:30:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T13:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=633142"},"modified":"2025-08-21T12:59:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T16:59:07","slug":"leflunomide-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/leflunomide-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drink on leflunomide?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leflunomide<\/span><\/a>, also sold under the brand name <\/span>Arava<\/span><\/a>, is a generic prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis,<\/span><\/a> and it is often prescribed off-label to improve psoriasis symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis. It belongs to a drug class known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and improves symptoms by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because leflunomide is typically taken long-term for inflammatory conditions, you may wonder if it\u2019s safe to drink <\/span>alcohol<\/span><\/a> during treatment. While it isn\u2019t recommended to consume large amounts of alcohol while taking leflunomide, some people may be able to drink small amounts occasionally, if approved by their rheumatologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tLeflunomide 20 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23663 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$21.17\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$23.68\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Leflunomide prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Can you drink while taking leflunomide?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding alcohol while taking leflunomide. This is because leflunomide can cause serious liver damage, including liver failure. Heavy alcohol use is also known to cause <\/span>liver problems<\/span><\/a>. Of note, <\/span>heavy alcohol use<\/span><\/a> is defined as five or more drinks on any day for men and four or more drinks on any day for women. The combination can increase the risk of liver damage even more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, some healthcare providers may give you the green light for a drink while taking leflunomide if you don\u2019t have a history of liver issues. This depends on your specific medical history and should only be done if approved by and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does alcohol affect arthritis?<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of alcohol on arthritis. The <\/span>Arthritis Foundation<\/span><\/a> states that moderate drinking\u2014defined as 5-10 grams, or less than one drink, per day\u2014can reduce some risks of developing arthritis. One <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> found evidence that moderate consumption of alcohol, or up to <\/span>one drink per day<\/span><\/a>, reduced the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. However, another <\/span>study from 2022<\/span><\/a> found that excessive alcohol consumption was linked to a greater risk of osteoarthritis in the knee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you already have arthritis, alcohol may be more harmful than protective. For individuals with gout (a type of inflammatory arthritis) or pre-existing risk factors for gout, it is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake. This is because alcohol is known to <\/span>increase uric acid levels<\/span><\/a>, which can lead to a gout flare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What happens if you mix leflunomide and alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Combining leflunomide and alcohol can increase the risk of serious health effects, such as liver damage or even liver failure. This is because both alcohol and <\/span>leflunomide<\/span><\/a> can be hepatotoxic, meaning they can cause liver problems. This can cause <\/span>symptoms<\/span><\/a> such as jaundice, belly pain, itchy skin, dark urine, and loss of appetite. Leflunomide even has a <\/span>boxed warning<\/span><\/a>\u2014the most serious warning for prescription drugs\u2014for hepatotoxicity due to its risk of severe liver injury and fatal liver failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of this risk, it\u2019s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol with leflunomide. Some experts, such as the <\/span>American College of Rheumatology<\/span><\/a>, recommend avoiding alcohol altogether during leflunomide treatment. While <\/span>others<\/span><\/a> agree that small amounts of alcohol, such as less than four units of alcohol per week, may be okay if your liver is healthy. Your healthcare provider will take into consideration your medical history and other medications to determine whether it\u2019s safe for you to have the occasional drink while taking leflunomide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common side effects of leflunomide include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n