Medicine information
Uses & overview
Leflunomide 20 mg is an oral prescription medicine belonging to the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) class. It is primarily prescribed for adults with active rheumatoid arthritis to help reduce persistent inflammation and control symptoms such as joint swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and pain. Leflunomide works by reducing the activity and multiplication of certain immune cells involved in the inflammatory response. The active metabolite of leflunomide inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in pyrimidine synthesis. This helps reduce the proliferation of activated lymphocytes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Because Leflunomide 20 mg is a disease-modifying medicine, it is not intended to provide immediate pain relief like conventional analgesics. Before starting treatment, patients should tell their doctor about liver disease, kidney problems, blood disorders, recurrent infections, immune-system conditions, pregnancy plans, or any other significant medical condition. Doctors may recommend liver-function tests and blood counts before and during treatment because leflunomide can affect the liver and blood cells. Leflunomide 20 mg can cause serious harm to an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant should discuss effective contraception and pregnancy-prevention requirements with their healthcare professional. Because leflunomide's active metabolite can remain in the body for a prolonged period, a medically supervised drug-elimination procedure may be necessary in certain circumstances. Patients should also inform their doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products they use. Leflunomide 20 mg should not be used for self-treatment of unexplained joint pain. Proper diagnosis, dosage, treatment duration, and laboratory monitoring should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
How to use
Take Leflunomide 20 mg exactly according to your doctor's prescribed dose and schedule. Swallow the tablet with sufficient water. Do not crush, chew, or alter the tablet unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional. Leflunomide may generally be taken with or without food. Taking it at approximately the same time each day may help maintain a consistent routine. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, even if your arthritis symptoms become worse or do not improve immediately. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose. Continue taking the medicine for the duration recommended by your doctor unless your healthcare professional advises you to discontinue it. Leflunomide is intended to control inflammatory disease activity over time and should not be expected to provide immediate relief from joint pain. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and laboratory tests. Your doctor may monitor liver function and blood counts during treatment. Inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal medicines you are taking. Do not start, stop, or change another medicine without first discussing it with your doctor or pharmacist. Women who can become pregnant should follow their healthcare professional's contraception instructions carefully while using Leflunomide 20 mg. Contact your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected during treatment. Seek prompt medical attention if you develop persistent fever, serious infection, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe skin reactions, or breathing difficulties. Do not donate blood during treatment and for the period recommended by your healthcare professional after discontinuation.
