Leflunomide and trapped wind

Hello, this is my first post on this forum after lurking for quite some time, I have found reading what other people have written really useful so I thought I'd dip my toe in the water and post a question myself !

I am wondering if anyone else who is taking Leflunomide has suffered from a sore tummy, like extreme trapped wind and sensitivity while eating ?

I have been taking it for about 5 weeks now- after yucky side effects from Methotrexate (nausea and fatigue)- and am very careful to take my Omeprazole (now x2 daily, once first thing in the morning before I eat anything, then again last thing at night) as I know this is imperative to protect my stomach from the Lefl. and Diclofenac.

Such high hopes I have for this medication, I know it is totally down to trial and error, neither Sulphasalzine (which I took for nearly 10 years) nor Methotrexate (for 2 years, both orally and subcutaneously) worked for me ultimately.

I should say I have non-specific Rheumatoid Arthritis, mostly affecting my knees and ankles, though other smaller joints are sometimes affected, eg- elbows, fingers, wrists.

It is lovely to have found a place where I know I can moan and groan and also hopefully share tips or info !

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Comments

julie47

Hi florabelle

welcome to the forum.

I am on leflunomide 20mg and have been for a few years along with mtx, celecoxib and hydroxy and I too suffer from terrible trapped wind occasionally, but to be honest I can not pin point if it is one of the meds or something i ate.

Lovely to hear from you and I hope you keep posting so that we know how you are doing.

Take care
Juliepf x

Rosycheeks

Hi florabelle

I take Leflunomide but have not noticed any side effects like sore tummy/trapped wind. However, a few months ago the pharmacist did a complete review of all my medications and any side effects I may or may not have and he told me that Omeprazole can cause alot of wind. I dont know if that helps?
Take care

florabelle

Thank you so much for your replies- julie47 and Rosycheeks.

I have thought maybe I am jumping to conclusions too quickly in assuming it's the Lefl. causing the tummy pain, maybe it is something I am eating or drinking. I have tried to cut down my tea drinking and see if that helps. Also I am trying to cut out regular bread altogether, pittas & wraps are my new pals.

Also I am aware that somewhat ironically Omeprazole could cause tummy pains, I imagine it is connected with the fact that Om. reduces stomach acids, perhaps that makes digestion a bit more challenging for the ole tum!

The usual stuff I try is drinking peppermint tea or even hot water, also peppermint capsules, eventually the pains dissipate. I guess what really freaks me out is the idea that my poor stomach is slowly rotting away and I will end up with horrible ulcers.

Rosycheeks- what a lovely pharmacist you have for doing a review !

florabelle

Eureka moment ! Since I was last here, I think I may have discovered what is causing me this abdo pain- not the Leflunomide as first thought but the Diclofenac. It never so much as crossed my mind.

I spoke to my rheumy nurse yesterday, we discussed options and she suggested trying to eliminate the Diclo for a few days to see if there was any improvement.

Today is the first morning in about 2.5 weeks that I have not been suffering from horrendous trapped wind and bloatedness. What a massive difference to my outlook; it's p*****g down outside but I feel normal again, much more energy and looking forward to my lunch without dreading that nasty pain engulfing me. Will have the peppermint oil capsules/deflatine in my handbag, just in case though.

Yippee !

dreamdaisy

Oh that's good news, I am pleased for you. I hope it lasts! DD

barbara12

Hi
Glad you have got it sorted, I know how painful it can be, if it happens again I take peppermint capsule from the chemist or health shop...they work wonders
Oh sorry, I meant to say a very warm welcome to this lovely forum.

florabelle

Thanks folks for the encouragement ! I really appreciate that. This forum is so good, I love the fact that you guys understand how it feels REALLY and there's someone around to ask questions, the medics are all very well but they just know the theory

I hope to be a regular poster here

tiggernut

Hi,
I only started Leflunomide last Saturday and so far I haven't had these side effects. I hope I don't I already have IB!!
I also have Hydroxy and MXT.