Good morning all. I have a question about Leflunomide. I am 44 years old and I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Psoriatic arthritis, I realise this is an RA forum but am sure you lot are familiar with the issues and the drugs used. It presented itself mainly in the knees but is also now present in the hands, hips and wrists and a little in the Achilles heal. I have been through a couple of drugs that didn't sit well. Current one is Leflunomide. After 10 days of taking it my blood pressure was taken and had increased quite dramatically to 167/113. They asked me to monitor it to see if it settled and it hasn't, it has now been just over 3 weeks. I have agreed with the Rheumatology nurse to stop taking the drug. Partly because of the blood pressure and partly because of my concern regarding the Covid-19 situation. The Rheumatoligist feels that the blood pressure spike is not necessarily anything to do with the Leflunomide as I hadn't been taking it for long enough - but I can't help feeling it must be. I've read enough posts from you helpful lot to see that many people have had blood pressure issues from this drug. My question is, for those of you that have had blood pressure issues, how soon after starting Leflunomide did they arise? It would be of great comfort to me to know that the blood pressure increase was down to the drug and as it left my system things might return to normal. Many thanks in advance.
Leflunomide and blood pressure: Good morning all. I... - NRAS
Leflunomide and blood pressure
I took it for years and no blood pressure problems at all. So very sorry not much help.
Strangely, I had been taking it for a couple of years with no issues and had to stop it for recent op. When I restated, they noticed that my blood pressure was very high. Currently, due to recent ankle replacement, I am not taking any RA meds.
I’d monitor your BP daily & speak to your GP...hypertension can be the sign of a lot of things & personally I would not ”wait & see,”
agreed, thank you- am waiting for a call from the GP. No face to face appointments at the moment!
As long as you speak to your GP & have a recent record of your BP..he has the experience to work out if anything untoward is going on.
I have high blood pressure and my understanding is that the inflammation in the body caused by RA can cause high blood pressure as the blood vessels become inflamed .
Leflunomide can raise blood pressure. Mine was already high but went through roof!
thanks for your reply, and how long after you started taking it did you notice the increase?
I think it was quite quick. It was a few years ago now so memory fails! It's actually a well known side effect for this drug.
Did you stay on the Leflunomide or did the doc take you off?
My blood pressure was ok before I went on the pill but now I am on BP tablet.x
thanks, do you recall how quickly after starting Leflunomide your blood pressure went up?
Around 6 month for me. X
YES...I just switched from MTX to Leuflunomide . I’ve been on it for 25 days and 4 days ago my heart rate shot up to 90-110( it’s since settled back to 80’s) and I’m losing weight ..like 6 pounds which I really can’t afford to do. but my blood pressure now is outrageous 150/100 yesterday. Mine is usually pretty good (except at the doctor’s office!) I talked to my rheumatologist about the heart rate and he asked for a return call tomorrow . I really want off of this - I feel anxious and other odd feelings. I seriously hope he says to stop it. I hope this helps you a bit.
Glad it's not just me! They told me to stay on it for a bit and see if things settled but within a week it had gone up to 160/120 and I decided to stop it. Problem is it stays in your system for a long time. I had to go on some medicine to control it for a couple of months but have now come off it and I think things are back to normal. Will need a few more months for the BP medicine to definitely be out of my system.
I know exactly what you mean - I felt terrified by the high blood pressure. Anxiety and very aware of my heart rate. Rheumatologist still insists it wasn't down to the drug as I hadn't been on it long enough but my GP wasn't so sure. I also recently went for an ECG and the cardiologist is sure it was down to the Leuflunomide as my ECG was totally normal.
Obviously I don't know your situation so wait for your Rheumatologist before stopping but I would recommend cracking on and get an appointment booked in with your GP to discuss the blood pressure. I was so relieved when I did as the blood pressure medicine dropped to normal levels withing 24/48 hours of taking Ramipril. I only took it for 2 months and then stopped.
Best of luck
Thank you so much for your quick reply- I feel better knowing (like you said) it’s not just me. I will talk to my rheumatologist this morning.
How are you doing now and what RA med are you on?
Yay I’m now off that nasty drug and will eventually go back on methotrexate. I’ll see my PCP for blood pressure med . Did the Leflunomide also elevate your heart rate too? Once you were off How long did it take till you felt better
I didn't notice the Leflunomide elevating my heart rate but I wasn't really monitoring that at the time. I started to feel better within 24/48 hours of taking the Ramipril. After 2 months I didn't need the Ramipril and things have settled down to a level that seems consistent with someone of my age that drinks a little too much and is generally a bit stressed. How did you get on with your PCP?
Hi Bordelaise,I too had an unexpected high spike in BP a few weeks after starting leflunomide that resolved as soon as I stopped taking it. The doctors disagreed with my suggestion that it was related to the new leflunomide med. and prescribed antihypertensive meds. I stopped the Leflunomide and the BP returned to my normal 110/70. Sometimes we need to be proactive as we know our own bodies better than anyone else.
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So...Leflunomide or MTX?
