Leflunomide 10mg

Leflunomide 10mg — Uses and Benefits

Leflunomide is mainly prescribed for adults with active rheumatoid arthritis to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and to slow down joint damage.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating active rheumatoid arthritis
• Reducing joint inflammation and pain
• Slowing progression of joint damage
• Sometimes used for active psoriatic arthritis as advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• It suppresses overactive immune cells that attack the joints
• It reduces production of certain immune chemicals that cause inflammation
• This helps control disease activity over weeks to months

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a painkiller for occasional aches or fever
• It does not work immediately; it is not for acute pain relief
• It is not used for infections or viral illnesses
• It should not be self-started without a doctor's diagnosis and monitoring

How to Use Leflunomide 10mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Swallow the tablet whole with water
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better
• Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function and blood counts while on this medicine

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, inform your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight
• Keep in a dry place, away from moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Leflunomide 10mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Nausea
• Headache
• Mild hair thinning
• Increased blood pressure
• Skin rash

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Mouth ulcers
• Tingling sensation in hands or feet
• Altered taste

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (signs of liver damage)
• Severe skin reactions like blistering or peeling skin
• Signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, or persistent cough
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Severe breathlessness or persistent dry cough
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Leflunomide 10mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under a doctor's supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have severe liver disease
• Have a severely weakened immune system
• Have a known allergy to leflunomide

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of tuberculosis or chronic infections
• Have low blood counts or bone marrow problems
• Are planning to conceive, either partner
• Are taking other immune-suppressing medicines
• Have high blood pressure

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Methotrexate and other DMARDs
• Live vaccines
• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Rifampicin
• Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Other medicines affecting the liver

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

It is best to avoid alcohol as it increases the risk of liver damage with this medicine.

How long does it take to work?

It may take several weeks to a few months to see full benefit in joint symptoms.

Can women planning pregnancy take this medicine?

• No, it must be stopped well in advance and a washout procedure done under medical supervision before planning pregnancy.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.