Leflunomide other peoples experiences?

Kempkat
Kempkat Member Posts: 20
in Living with arthritis

Hi I have Inflammatory arthritis seronegative and osteoarthritis, affecting multiple joints hands, wrists, knees, feet, shoulders and hips !! After trying various medications including Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate all of which haven’t worked or I’ve had reactions too some quite severe ! I have been informed that Leflunomide would be my next option before Biologics !
I Would like to hear from anyone taking Leflunomide or biologics what your experiences are any side effects etc etc
Really appreciate hearing your views all these medications seem so scary. I need something as pain is unbearable but find it all a bit overwhelming when reading side effects etc and also being sensitive to all those I’ve already tried so far !
Many thanks

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,365

    Hello @Kempkat have you had a look through the following?

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/leflunomide/

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • su_g
    su_g Member Posts: 2

    Hi, I take methotrexate and leflonomide together for RA, no side effects other than a dry mouth. I tend not to read the side effects as it will turn you off from taking them and as I say I didn’t suffer any. I think it’s a case of try them and see as different people react to different things. It takes time to get the right medication combination that works for you as everyone is different, I was on a lot of steroids while they were trying to find medication that would work for me.

  • Kempkat
    Kempkat Member Posts: 20

    Hi

    Thanks it’s good to hear you’ve found something that suits you. I have been given another two months worth of Steroids now and Rheumatologist has put me forward for biologics appointment! As have had so many issues with all previous treatments unfortunately.
    many thanks 😊

  • Sazzy39
    Sazzy39 Member Posts: 1

    I was on methotrexate a few years ago for psoriasis, but had to stop as it was affecting my liver. I'm now on Amgevita injections which is working really well so far. They can prescribe this for arthritis but my rheumatologist won't double my dose for some reason, which the dermatologist can't understand!

    I tried Sulfasalazine which really didn't agree with me, I was constantly nauseous and vomiting so have just started Leflunomide this week. Fingers crossed it works for both of us!

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 274

    Hello @Sazzy39

    Welcome to the forum, it is great to have you here with us.

    Here is a link to the VA page about Leflunomide, which I hope you'll find useful : https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/leflunomide/

    All the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

Categories