Can anyone tell me about Leflunomide?

tiggernut

Hi,
My rhuemy has put me on 10mg of Leflunomide.
I also take 10mg injection MXT, Plaquinel, Voltarol Retard and 6mg Prednisalone plus Co-Dydramol and Tramadol when requured.(which at the moment is quite often!)
It is hoped that if this works I may be able to stop the Prednisalone which I am desperate to do as I was on it for 10 years came off it 14 years ago and have been back on it for about 3 years.
Anyway I've never heard of Leflunomide so if anyone can give me some feedback would be very grateful.
Thanks,
Anita x

valval

sorry can not help but bumping this back up where it will be seen val

Rosycheeks

Hey
I take 20mg of Leflunomide a day. I have only been taking it for about 3 months but have had a 'slight' improvement. The rheumy told me it was a drug that was especially designed for arthritis. He said there was not alot in it for side effects/effectiveness between Leflunomide and mtx. Just some drugs work well for some people and not for others. I have had a few side effects but none that I have actually been aware of if that makes sense It has made my blood pressure go up and so I now take another pill for that and it seems to be lowering my white cell count rather alot (but thats also what mtx can do). All in all im happy taking it so far. Oh one slight downer.. if you have an adverse reaction or need to stop taking it fast you have to have a drug washout as Leflunomide can apparently stay in your body for up to two years :eek: But the washout is just another pill for 12 days.
I hope it works for you

Wonkylegs

HI Tiggernut

if you use the blue search button on the top bar of the page, and type in Leflunomide, you should get some older threads which tell you what you want to know - it's been a while since anyone asked I think!

I took this for 2 years, very successfully, and for me it was a great drug for getting on top of the arthritis, when used in conjunction with the MTX I was taking which wasn't enough alone.

Sadly for me, after 2 years I had a reaction to the drug, and had to stop it, which was rather frustrating to say the least, since it was working :roll:

I would say give it a go, but be prepared to wait for a while as it takes some time to get into your system and set to work on Arthur.

the only problem I had whilst taking it, was for the first few weeks when I had stomach upsets. This is quite common - I was warned by my nurse in advance - but often resolves itself after a couple of weeks.

good luck!
WOnky

frogmorton

Hi Anita

do what Wonky said and search it on this site l think you will get one or two really promising stories.

It has to be worth a try - l think all meds work for different people - this could be the very one for you.

Good luck

Love

Toni xx

tiggernut

Hi,

Thanks for your replies. I will have a search.
I am hoping it won't upset my tummy as this has been a problem in the past with other drugs as I have IBS.
All my life I have had low blood pressure so it will be interesting to see if this affects that. I did read in the leaflet about the possibillity of high blood pressure!!
Anita.

julie47

Hi triggernut

I have been taking 20mg leflunomide for a few years along with mtx,celebrex,and hydroxy. I can say, I have been fine with it.

juliepf x