Leflunomide and palpitations

[Windonmyface]

I’m wondering if anyone has experienced heart palpitations while taking Leflunomide? I’ve been on the drug for about three months and now feel my heart skipping beats pretty regularly. It’s kind of scary. Thanks.

[sylvi]

I am sorry your suffering these symptoms, i suggest you contact your consultant or the nus=rses who look after you. xxx

[nomoreheels]

Not the side effect I had on LEF. I'd make an appointment to see your GP. He/she can listen & determine if it's anything out of the ordinary & if so can arrange further testing. If there is any issue then you should discuss it with your Rheumy.

LEF can affect your blood pressure. Have you had it taken recently?

Anything strange is a concern so you're right to ask, I've been there. Tests proved LEF wasn't for me.

[Deeb1764]

I have just my notes when I took it and I got this and it is scary. I called and emailed my RA team and I got taken off as sensitive to drugs. But give them a shout so they can work it outwith you.Mine were always at night.

[allanah]

I started with fluttering in my chest but it wasn't the leflonomide it was the RA inflammation. Get checked out by your gp asap I think , I'm on tablets now which control my condition well. But I do think you need to discuss with the doctor x

[Ms-D]

Hi...I had really bad heart palpitations and chest pains. After about a week my clinic nurse told me to stop taking it and switched me to sulphasalazine. I reacted to that too so now on biologics. Everyone is different though so I hope they sort this out for you.

[Ascidian]

Definitely check with your GP and/or rheumy team. But remember that palpitations and ectopic beats (skipped beat sensation) are very common. I have a lot of ectopics sometimes (anything up to 7 or 8 a minute when it is at its worst). It usually lasts a few weeks at most, and then settles down again. This started several years before i was diagnosed with PsA. I have had lots of tests - ecg, holter monitor etc, and have been told that my heart is absolutely fine. So, try not to worry too much, but it's always worth checking these things out

[Windonmyface]

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. It has helped me a lot. My rheumy has taken me off Leflunomide and will probably try sufasalazine next, along with my hydroxychloroquine. (I’m sure that drug has its own problems 😟). My palipatations are slowly lessening, thank goodness.