Diarrhea and leflunomide

[Khow]

I have been taking leflunomide for about 3 months with no side effects, until now. I have ibs and for about 1 and half weeks I cannot get off the toilet. This is worse then my normal ibs I have had to come home from work and also go in late due to always needing the bathroom. I also feel a bit nausea at the same time. Anyone else had this while taking leflunomide? I am scared to go out in case I have a bad episode.

[Barrister]

Leflunamide is known to have these types of side effects. My rheumatologist wouldn’t prescribe it for me as he said it would exacerbate my Lymphocytic Colitis. Clemmie

[Hidden]

It is a normal side effect. I get similar with MTX and might be changed to leflunomide.

RA specialist nurse sent me info leaflet that lists side effects.

Don’t fancy it! It stays in the body a long time too.

I hope you get something better suited to your specific needs.

Good luck, and take care of yourself.

[dwsurquhart]

Yes, i was on leflunomide for only 3 months. I had to stop it as I would spend approx 6hrs of an 8 hour work day in the washroom. Was acidy feeling and i lost a pile.of weight as i was extremely dehydrated from the drug. Changed to playinik ans has same issue.

[Matilda_1922]

I had this problem as well. I couldn’t take it on a work day as needed the bathroom too frequently. So eventually leflunomide was stopped.

[Yogi-bear123]

I had same problem...

[LadyJan]

I too was on leflonomide and had to come off it after a year as I was getting involuntary diarrhoea when out...not nice experience I can tell you. It worked for me tho so that was a shame. I have received my benepali now and after nurse has been to instruct me I will begin it. Fingers x it will work as nothing else does. This cold does not help and my hands,,/wrists are useless. Suggest you wait another week and if no better see go....or rheumy nurse if you are lucky to have one.. I don't. Ladyjan

[Matilda_1922 in reply to LadyJan]

The nurse watched me give the first 2 benepali injection. Fingers crossed it works and stop MXT altogether. I just hate them.

[Kathies]

I've been on leflunomide since march and have had these problems, the clinic said the diarrhoea is not related to it as I didn't have the problem immediately. It's ok for a week then really awful, then ok again. I have a gluten intolerance so I thought it might be connected to that, the drug works well for me on the ra front. Better than mtx. I will try and get them to take me seriously, like the lady above, urgent call to the loo at inappropriate times is really unpleasant. I carry Andex wet tissues with me at all times, sad that this seems like normal behaviour now. I also had a rash over the summer, they said it was a food allergy. Is leflunomide really cheap?

[Eiram50]

I began leflunomide 4 weeks ago and have terribly upset tummy and also a bit of pain high up in tummy? I take 10 mg daily on top of 20 mg MTX and thought the upset might be due to taking both together. Perhaps not. I also have really bad heartburn ( think that’s what it is?!)- do you get that too?

Marie

[Khow in reply to Eiram50]

HI. Yes I get acid reflux quite a lot anyway,the doc has given me something to take before I take the leflunomide. I am on 20mg a day and this upset tummy has only happened since I increased the dose from 10 mg 4 weeks ago. I am now back on 10 mg to see if that helps. I have IBS anyway so they think the leflunomide is aggregating it. You should see the doc about the heartburn he can give you something to help. X

[Eiram50 in reply to Khow]

I will do. I’ve also noticed that I’m itchy and my skin, particularly in my hands is so so dry? However, it could be any and all of the meds I take that may be the root cause?!

I hope things settle down for you soon. Take care

Marie

[Khow in reply to Eiram50]

Yes I have itchy skin too, it must be leflunomide did not have it before. And have noticed and increasing amount of spots on my face! Good luck to you, take care . Kim xxx

[Eiram50 in reply to Khow]

The gift that keeps on giving ..,...

[Habbeshaw]

I took leflunamide for 12 days. I had bad diarrhea stomach headache and felt burnt all the way down to my stomach. My poop burnt coming out like a fire. Even went to the ER and found out I will have to live with it until it gets out of my body in at least 2 months.