Leflunomide and High Chloresterol

Bebob
Bebob Member Posts: 6
edited 15. Oct 2012, 04:40 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi

Just wondering if anyone else has suffered high chloresterol when prescribed Leflunomide.

In August last year I was prescribed Leflunomide and in January this year I went for a routine "well woman" check up at my GPs to be told my chloresterol was high (9). I tried to correct it myself with my diet but to no avail - three months later I was put onto Simvastatin. I asked my GP at the time if the chloresterol could be caused by the Lef and he said no. However I have just been reading the leaflet given out with Lef tablets and it says it can be an "uncommon" side effect.

I'm 46 - don't smoke and eat a relatively healthy diet

Has anyone had this side effect?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry, can't help except to say that GP's aren't the best at dealing with DMARDS. In your place I'd be ringing the rheumatology helpline, Bebob.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hmmm, GPs and DMARDs? In my experience they don't mix (GPs know a little about a lot) and I agree with Sticky, ring your rheumatology helpline ('cos they know a lot about a little) and I hope they are able to give you proper advice. I tried lef a few years ago and all I can remember is horrendous headaches. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • PowerOn
    PowerOn Member Posts: 200
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    9 is high, mine is 6.4 after i lost a stone in weight it went up .2!
    Not due to meds just is in the family, is there a phone number on the leaflet if so may be worth ringing them.
    Best joke I ever read, "With that information and a diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor can develop a treatment plan‏" or back in reality totally ignore you. Is ok I have a sense of humour and a boxing glove, not defeated yet.
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've just started on leflunomide but I've been on methotrexate for about 2 1/2 years and my cholesterol skyrocketed when they increased the dose. I do wonder if there is link between DMARDs that can affect liver function (like lef and MTX) and cholesterol but this is just me pondering!
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've just started on leflunomide but I've been on methotrexate for about 2 1/2 years and my cholesterol skyrocketed when they increased the dose. I do wonder if there is link between DMARDs that can affect liver function (like lef and MTX) and cholesterol but this is just me pondering!
  • PowerOn
    PowerOn Member Posts: 200
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Starburst would not surprise me what side effects meds cause, I try to avoid them but when there is no choice they have to be taken, the comment I made about high chloresterol just being in the family was a ref to my own family history as my dads side all have (or had) it and they were all skinney, my dad was on a multitude of meds, no idea what though.
    I take meds to reduce my BP and have regular blood tests to check liver function etc does your GP provide regular tests for liver function etc.
    Best joke I ever read, "With that information and a diagnosis of spondylosis, your doctor can develop a treatment plan‏" or back in reality totally ignore you. Is ok I have a sense of humour and a boxing glove, not defeated yet.
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