This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
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What are the possible side effects of leflunomide?
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking leflunomide and seek medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- changes in liver function (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale colored stools or dark colored urine; unusual fatigue; or abdominal pain);
- decreased bone marrow function or blood problems (may be detected by blood tests or cause symptoms such as extreme or unusual fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); or
- skin rash; or
- sores in the mouth.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take leflunomide and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- increased blood pressure;
- muscle aches;
- nausea;
- diarrhea; or
- hair loss.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect leflunomide?
- Before taking leflunomide, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite, LoCHOLEST);
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex); or
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).
- You may not be able to take leflunomide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with leflunomide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines , including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about leflunomide written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database
Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 4.01. Revision date: 9/10/03.