Back pain on Leflunomide

[Linda281]

Hi have been prescribed leflunomide 8 days ago and all seemed to be going well. Unfortunately for the last 3 nights I have experienced terrible lower back pain that extends down both legs.Now it has started during the daytime too. I have not experienced this before since being diagnosed 18 months ago. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hello

I started leflunomide a month ago. All fine until two weeks ago when I suddenly got bursitis. I also have back pain, but I had that before I started.

I would talk to your doc if the pain is going down your legs.

[Linda281 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks NettieC I will tell my GP asap

[medway-lady]

I had something like this it was a side effect and lasted a few days. It was my hands and shoulders I used ice packs and it did go.If in doubt ring your R A team but I believe that its a common side effects that does go.

[Linda281 in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks 😊

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Linda. I've been having more back pain recently, when washing the pans & such so when stood in one place, though it's not extending to my legs. I've put it down to the known OA in the lumbar region which is usually well medicated but I'm pretty new to LEF, only started it mid Nov so you've got me wondering if it's actually the LEF & not OA giving me a kicking. My GP has asked me to make an appointment with her the first week in Jan & as well as the reason for seeing her I was going to ask if my pain relief patch dose needed increasing. I've had no other side effects, except that is for a little hair loss which seems to be settling quickly, but I'm going to have a rootle around the internet & see if I can find any evidence of back pain being one. I'll get back to you if I find any evidence to suggest it is.

[Linda281 in reply to nomoreheels]

That'd be great thanks 😊

[nomoreheels in reply to Linda281]

Well, first point of call was to read the PIL again, & there it is, common side effect - back pain! Don't know why I didn't recall it but I did so I'll still go further & see why it is & if anything can be done to avoid it so I'll be back!

[Linda281 in reply to nomoreheels]

Good result thanks again 😊

[Adelaide1]

Yes...I had pain in my lower back, sacroiliac joints and going down my legs...the rheumatologist said it was osteoarthritis sent me for X-rays then an MRI and I had a neve block injection...but it only started when I went on lefunomide...I was on it for a few months until my liver tests were severely affected. Been off it about six months..still have back pain, but not as bad.

These drugs are not good when they have such side effects!

[Pupsterchick]

Yes!! Linda, your experience sounds just like mine! I began having this same type of back pain after about 4 days which kept me awake at night. It has lessened somewhat now, but still having different pains in my back and neck...worse when I'm trying to stand still and sometimes worse with steps. I see this post was 4 years ago, so I'm wondering if you have continued the leflunomide and how you are doing now? I am about 1 month into this medication, and do not follow up with mu rheumatologist for 7 more weeks. I am also 49.

[Nana-8]

My new doctor took x rays and informed me I had osteoarthritis in my neck and back. It’s a different feeling pain than RA. I had not heard this from the previous doctor. Heat helps this pain,I usually do something to aggravate it, sometimes in my sleep. It subsides after a few days.