Contraindication
Significant hepatic impairment, compromised immune function including bone marrow dysplasia or severe uncontrolled infection; concurrent vaccination with live vaccines. Pregnancy, lactation.
Precaution
Renal and hepatic impairment; Women with childbearing potential. Caution should be taken for those female with child bearing potential who are not using reliable contraception and for the subject of renal insufficiency. Leflunomide should be stopped before becoming pregnant. Liver function should be monitored before starting treatment. Monitor blood counts and BP regularly. Avoid alcohol.
Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk
Side Effect
>10%
Diarrhea (17%),Respiratory infections (15%)
1-10% (selected)
Alopecia (10%),Hypertension (10%),Rash (10%),Nausea (9%),Bronchitis (7%),Headache (7%),Abdominal pain (5%),Abnormal LFT's (5%),Accidental injury (5%),Back pain (5%),Dyspepsia (5%),UTI (5%),Dizziness (4%),Infection (4%),Joint disorder (4%),Pruritus (4%),Weight loss (4%),Anorexia (3%),Cough (3%),Gastroenteritis (3%),Pharyngitis (3%),Stomatitis (3%),Tenosynovitis (3%),Vomiting (3%),Weakness (3%),Allergic reaction (2%),Chest pain (2%),Dry skin (2%),Eczema (2%),Pain (2%),Paresthesia (2%),Pneumonia (2%),Rhinitis (2%),Sinusitis (2%),Synovitis (2%)
Potentially Fatal: Hepatotoxicity.
Interaction
Cholestyramine and activated charcoal may decrease plasma concentration of active metabolite. Concurrent use of methotrexate and other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Rifampicin increases serum levels of the active metabolite.
Potentially Fatal: May enhance the adverse effects of live vaccines.