Lefluno Tablet 20mg

About Lefluno Tablet 20mg

Lefluno Tablet 20mg Uses

• Active rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• Reducing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Slowing joint damage caused by autoimmune inflammation
• Improving physical function in patients with chronic arthritis
• Long term management of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

Lefluno Tablet 20mg Benefits

• Works as a disease modifying agent rather than just a pain reliever
• Once daily dosing supports better treatment adherence
• Helps preserve joint structure with consistent long term use
• Reduces the need for high dose steroids in many patients
• Available at a lower cost compared to biologic therapies

Patients in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi can find Lefluno Tablet 20mg at most major pharmacy chains and through oladoc's rheumatology consultations. A rheumatologist usually confirms the diagnosis with blood tests and a joint examination first.

Regular monitoring of liver function is an important part of treatment with this drug. Blood tests are typically scheduled every few weeks during the first months.

This medicine is not meant for short term pain relief. Its full benefit for joint protection often takes several weeks to appear.

Drug Class

• Disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
• Pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor
• Immunomodulatory agent

Lefluno Tablet 20mg formula

• Leflunomide 20mg

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Lefluno Tablet 20mg?

• This tablet is usually taken once daily, at the same time each day.
• The tablet can be taken with or without food.
• Regular blood tests for liver function and blood counts are part of ongoing treatment.
• Effective contraception is necessary during treatment and for a period afterward, for both men and women.
• The dose and duration are set by the treating rheumatologist based on disease response.

Drug Interactions

Lefluno Tablet 20mg has several notable interactions with other medicines.

• Methotrexate: Combined use raises the risk of liver toxicity and needs close monitoring.
• Warfarin: This medicine may increase the blood thinning effect and bleeding risk.
• Live Vaccines: Live vaccines are generally avoided during treatment due to immune suppression.
• Rifampicin: This antibiotic can raise leflunomide levels in the blood.
• Other Hepatotoxic Drugs: Combining this drug with other liver affecting medicines adds extra strain on the liver.

Risks and warnings

• Pregnancy Risk: Leflunomide can cause serious harm to an unborn baby and is avoided during pregnancy.
• Liver Toxicity: This medicine may raise liver enzymes, so regular liver function tests are required.
• Infection Risk: Immune suppression from this drug can increase susceptibility to infections.
• Low Blood Cell Counts: Periodic blood monitoring helps catch drops in white cells or platelets early.
• Washout Requirement: A special washout procedure with cholestyramine is needed before pregnancy or if serious side effects occur.

Side Effects

Lefluno Tablet 20mg is generally well tolerated, though some side effects can appear during treatment.

• Diarrhea and stomach upset
• Headache
• Mild hair thinning
• Skin rash
• Raised blood pressure

Serious side effects are less common but require prompt medical review.

• Signs of liver damage such as yellow skin or dark urine
• Severe skin reactions with blistering
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Persistent cough or breathing difficulty
• Signs of infection such as fever or sore throat

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets out of reach of children.