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 Leflunomide
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IMPORTANT WARNING:  

Pregnant women and women of childbearing age who are not using a reliable method of birth control should not take leflunomide. Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for 2 years after treatment with leflunomide. If your period is late or you miss a period during treatment with leflunomide, call your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor if you plan to become pregnant after stopping treatment with leflunomide. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment that will decrease the risk of harm to the fetus.

Why is this medication prescribed?  

Leflunomide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide decreases the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and slows damage to joints caused by the disease.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?  

Leflunomide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. You will need to take a larger dose for the first 3 days of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take leflunomide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?  

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests to monitor your response to leflunomide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names  

  • Arava®

Notes:
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EditText of this page (last edited November 24, 2009)

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