blood pressure and Leflunomide

englishrose
englishrose Member Posts: 99
edited 18. Jan 2010, 12:28 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have just been taken off Leflunomide because by blood pressure was sky high. I am now on BP pills and see Dr on Wednesday. My questions are:
1. has any one on Leflunomide experienced this

2. About three yrs ago I had high BP and took pills but once the BP was normal I had to stop them because they made me feel absolutely drained of what little energy I had. The same is happening now, I feel about 150.

They are hoping that I will be able to take the BP pills to control BP and then put me back on Leflunomide. But if I feel drained like this I wonder if I can stand it!!!!!
Jane

Comments

  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have just been taken off Leflunomide because by blood pressure was sky high. I am now on BP pills and see Dr on Wednesday. My questions are:
    1. has any one on Leflunomide experienced this

    2. About three yrs ago I had high BP and took pills but once the BP was normal I had to stop them because they made me feel absolutely drained of what little energy I had. The same is happening now, I feel about 150.

    They are hoping that I will be able to take the BP pills to control BP and then put me back on Leflunomide. But if I feel drained like this I wonder if I can stand it!!!!!
    Jane

    HI Jane,

    I have been treated for high BP for years now (family all have a tendency to high BP :roll: ) but it took a while to find the right tablets for me, and then the right dose - so it may be that they try a different tablet with you until they find the one that suits you.

    When I started Leflunomide I was worried that my BP would be worse, so it is monitored every week when I go for my MTX injection with the practice nurse. So far it has been mainly ok, although there were some high readings over Christmas/New year but that was prob. down to other things :wink:

    Whatever happens with you, remember that there are lots of different meds for both conditions, so they are bound to find a combo that works for you soon.

    hugs & good luck (((()))))
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Jane

    Because of my blood pressure problems, my Rheumy Consultant decided not to put me on Leflunomide. My BP can be anything from 160 over 80 to180/90, and on occasions even higher. I take Candisarton.

    Taking Preds has also interfered with my BP and,ideally, my GP would like me to come off them. Unfortunately, if I do stop the caretaking doese of 2.5mg a day, could result in my having a very high flare up of my PMR (Polymyalgeria Rheumatica) and assoc. problems. If this was to happen then I would have to go to 20mg a day and start decreasing on a daily basis again.

    Getting the meds right is very difficult.

    All I can advise is hang on in there and make sure you get your rest.
    Joy
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I take Leflunomide for RA (along with MTX). I was on BP tablets for high BP before being prescribed Leflunomide. As my BP was controlled by the meds they thought it would be ok with Leflunomide but this has not been the case. I was on 20mg Leflunomide and it really did help my RA a lot, however due to the BP going up they reduced the Leflunomide to 10mg a day and my RA has spun out of control again and I am currenly in a bad flare.
    I am seeing my GP Wednesday in the hope he can increase my BP meds and if so the Rheum is going to try me on 20mg of Leflunomide again.

    There are lots of BP tablets your doctor can try you on, it did take my GP a while to find the right BP tablets for me so they controlled it without making me feel tired, so hopefully your GP can find the right dose/tablet for you.

    Good luck.

    lizzie