What is Leflunomide? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Leflunomide

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Leflunomide

Leflunomide contraindications - Who shouldn't take Leflunomide?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to leflunomide, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Leflunomide warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, any infection, lung disease, or a history of tuberculosis or blood or bone marrow problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsSerious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic reaction which can cause organ damagePossible increased risk of cancerNerve problemsLung problems

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Leflunomide interactions & what to avoid when taking Leflunomide

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using teriflunomide.

• Some medicines can affect how leflunomide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Alosetron, cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, duloxetine, furosemide, ketoprofen, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, penicillin G, pioglitazone, rifampin, rosiglitazone, theophylline, tizanidine, warfarin, zidovudineBirth control pillsMedicines that weaken your immune system, including a steroid or cancer medicinesStatin medicine (including atorvastatin, nateglinide, pravastatin, repaglinide, simvastatin)

• Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live virus vaccines while you are taking this medicine.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.