Starting Leflunomide

[Funswim]

Hi all.I have RA,DDD,OA .After being on and off Methatrexate for RA for the last year ( now stopped completely)which badly affected liver blood readings, I have just started on Leflunomide 10mg.I don't know if it is the tablets doing it or just the heat but my joints all seem to be hurting more.The morning stiffness is so awful and my motivation has taken a dive too. Pain is reduced after a while when moving but I cannot move all the time and seize up when sitting down for a while. It makes me feel very weird a few hours after taking it - dizzy and headachy and very tired.I wanted to ask really whether other people using this drug have had similar experiences and whether when the body gets used to the drug if these side affects will improve.Many thanks

[charisma]

Hi Funswim

If the MTX was stopped weeks ago, and if it was not controlling disease activity adequately, you could be in a flare. Blood tests etc should reflect it too.

I had leflunomide for a year and found the side effects minimal in the first 3-4 months but we are all different in how we react to any drug. It did make me dizzy and the usual headaches developed if too active, as happens with RA and drug therapy.

If you have a good RA helpline in your Rheumatology Dept, they would advise best.

Take care of yourself meantime.

[medway-lady]

I took it for 4 years its great but does'nt work for 12 to 14 weeks so yes its probably the heat or even imagination. I don't know but hope you dod'nt give up on it as one day I woke up all pain and stiffness gone along with the swelling and pain. So please give it a fair go.

[Funswim in reply to medway-lady]

thank you so much for your kind replies.I am not good at resting much and am learning that keeping going is not always the best thing to do .I will keep taking the Lefunomide but try taking it at night to see if it is better that way

[Sjhoney in reply to Funswim]

Hi, I’ve been taking it for about 4 months. Started on a low dose and now up to full 20mg. It hasn’t started working yet but I’ve not had any bad side effects, just tired and it has suppressed my appetite, which is good as I’ve lost a bit of weight but I miss being hungry 🙄

I take mine at night if that helps?

Good luck 😊