Methotrexate & Leflunomide in combination

ArthurWritus
ArthurWritus Member Posts: 5
edited 13. Apr 2011, 02:59 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I'm new here so hello! I'll save the full medical history of my somewhat undefined Arthritis for another day, but in the meantime I have a quick question:

I've been on Methotrexate since last May and am now up to 20mg injections weekly - this doesn't seem to be working so as of last night I am now taking 10mg of Leflunomide daily in addition to the MTX.

Now while I try to avoid reading stuff on the internet, even the paper info sheet in with the Leflunomide says this is a thoroughly bad idea and can cause severe liver damage.

Is anyone else on this combination? Is it the big deal my brain is making it out to be?!

Many thanks, Arthur Writus.
http://twitter.com/ArthurWritus#

Comments

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 62
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I've been on Mtx. 7.4m (once a week) for over 15 years and leflunamide for at least 5 (cannot remember exact date so it may be longer). The only problem I have had using the two in combination is that my liver (enzymes ?) sometimes have been high at which time I have had to stop the leflunamide for a few weeks and then go back on it. Hope the combination works for you.
    Ratface xxxx
  • ArthurWritus
    ArthurWritus Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for the reply Ratface - you've put my mind somewhat at rest!

    I really should learn - I'm yet to find a information sheet in a pack of drugs which doesn't list 'fatality' as a potential side effect! I guess we have the litigation lawyers to blame for that.

    Hope you don't mind me asking, but are you tee-total on that combination of drugs? While I barely drink anyway, I will miss a nice pint of a golden ale on a sunny afternoon!
    http://twitter.com/ArthurWritus#
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Arthurwritus


    l ADORE your name!!! Brilliant it is :smile:

    I can't answer you question, but would like to welcome you and to agree that it's wise to read the info pack, but best not to worry too much.

    Hope for the BEST outcome and this Is a combination a lot are on so worth a try - with regular bloods done it would be spotted v quickly. Livers are great at recovering too.

    Love

    toni xx
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Arhurwritus

    Welcome to the forum from me too.
    I am on 10mg mtx tablet form and 20mg leflunomide

    I don't drink alcohol only on special occasions. A glass of wine may be.
    I know it says on the bottle no alcohol, and I abide by that rule , but once every so often doesn't harm me.

    Juliepf x
  • ArthurWritus
    ArthurWritus Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for the welcomes Toni & Julie.

    I will try to not worry about this then as it sounds like a fairly common combination. With a bit of luck it'll work and I can cut back on the Diclofenac and Co-codamol soon.

    I was quite astonished to find the Leflunomide is supplied in a bottle without a child proof lid - not a problem as it's kept up high with the syringes and sharps bin (which in itself makes a nice conversation point when visitors come!) - but I was a little surprised! I guess arthritic hands and child proof lids don't mix that well!
    http://twitter.com/ArthurWritus#
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Arthurwritus

    (I love the name too :grin: )

    I took MTX and Leflunomide in combination for nearly two years, and for me they proved to be very effective - much more so than MTX on it's own.

    I had some stomach problems at the start when Leflunomide was added in, but that soon died down. Unfortunately for me, I developed a rash which was put down to the Leflunomide, so had to come off it :cry: and am not on Infliximab infusions (one of teh anti-tnf treatments)

    I know exactly what you mean about reading meds leaflets :!: they should have danger notices on them :roll: As long as you don't miss your regular blood tests then you are fairly safe I believe - as they would soon pick up on any changes to liver functions etc.

    I hope that this combo works for you.

    good luck!
    WOnky
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 62
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Arthur Writus, (Good name!)

    Julie47 answered your question I think regarding the demon drink, but here's my input:

    I wasn't 'tea total' (or coffee in my case, can't abide tea) and nor am I now. I could knock back at least 3 bottles of wine in a weekend with no trouble (in my previous life!). Now if we go out for a meal, or are on holiday, or go to a wedding (and/or etc.) I do allow myself a couple of small glasses of wine if I feel like one (or two). Also, if during the summer while sitting out in the garden I feel the uncontrolable 'urge', I keep a bottle of cheap cider (or is it cat's p--s) with a low alcohol content in stock and have a glass of that. By doing this I don't find as though I am not being deprived, it's there if I want it so it's my choice.

    Someone here pointed out that they had problems with their stomach when they started the combo of leflunamide and mtx. so did I. Lots of wind! (Only had to move to get a gas explosion!). But hang on in there, the body adjusts. (Still get a problem if I over-do the eating of fried onions, but a burger just has to have the right amount of onions otherwise it's not worth having!)

    Regards, Ratface

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