Leflunomide: Hi folks, I was diagnosed with RA in... - NRAS

NRAS

37,104 members45,836 posts

Leflunomide

ladyelizajane profile image
8 Replies

Hi folks, I was diagnosed with RA in September 2017. Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine did not work for me with unpleasant side effects. I have been doing alright on Hydroxychloroquine though had to adjust the dose to 200mg/400mg alternate days. Just over the last couple of weeks, my knee has swollen up quite badly and hip is very painful causing me very limited mobility. I saw a Doctor at the Rheumatology Clinic who said there was a lot of fluid in my knee and he was going to inject into it, but the nurse had the injections so just sent me the nurse to get the general steroid injection, not in the knee, anyway it didn't work, still hobbling around in pain. He has advised me to go on Leflunomide, it looks a bit similar to Methotrexate that did not agree with me. I am a bit nervous going on it, any experience on Leflunomide from anyone.

Written by
ladyelizajane profile image
ladyelizajane
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
KittyJ profile image
KittyJ

If you type leflunomide into the search box and filter the search for NRAS all the posts regarding leflunomide will come up. I hope it works for you 😊

ladyelizajane profile image
ladyelizajane in reply to KittyJ

Thank you

Brushwork profile image
Brushwork

I had unpleasant and worrisome side effects on Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine and then started on Leflunomide. It worked and was fine for a few months but then the side effects started to build up. It is a drug that builds up in the body and takes a while to wash out when you stop taking it, so sometimes the side effects do the same.

I have a friend who takes it and has no problems at all, and it works.

Another one of those things that are fine for some and not so much for others...

ladyelizajane profile image
ladyelizajane in reply to Brushwork

Thanks for your reply, I will have to try it and see,.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

In common with all DMARDs unfortunately you don't know until you try. It was the fourth one I tried, I've been fortunate enough to remain on MTX 10 years now (subcut for 9) but with not being able to increase the dose above 20mg I needed something extra after HCQ & SSZ failed. I was ok on LEF for a good few weeks but started with neurological problems in hands, legs & feet so had to stop it. It is a known side effect but as with all things med-wise again it's a try & see situation.

A common side effect is it raising your BP which I also had but it was checked at every fortnightly blood test (new drug monitoring) & did settle back to my normal good reading. Just ensure the nurse who does your drug monitoring bloods takes yours. My Rheumy also requested I had the pneumococcal vaccine prior to starting LEF.

I hope you don't have any side effects or if you do they're tolerable.

ladyelizajane profile image
ladyelizajane in reply to nomoreheels

Thank you

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to ladyelizajane

You're welcome.

I am taking Leflunomide and MTX together. IThe only side effect I have with Leflunomide is that my blood pressure has raised so I now take tablets for that. I'm currently on a low dose of MTX so no sside effects with that. But I feel I either need a higher dose of MTX or a change of meds. Don't know what my rheumy will say as I'm taking MTX for Vasculitis, not RA.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Leflunomide

HI can someone help me i have had to stop Leflunomide after eleven days and the withdrawal affects...

Leflunomide

Hi can anyone help i have been on methotrexate injections for a year now i started on 10 mg but had...

Leflunomide?

Hello all! I met my rheumatologist yesterday and really like him. He started me on 20mg of...

Leflunomide 10mg

I could not tolerate Methotrexate to manage my RA so was put on Leflunomide 7 months ago. Two weeks...

Objective advice , Leflunomide

Sadly methotrexate isn't the drug for me, my 3rd bash with it at a reduced dose induced the...