unexplained bruising

[emma88]

hi ive been on leflunomide for just over a year now and doing great on it been much better for me than the other drugs, i read the side effects and noticed one said unexplained bruising, i noticed today that on the back of both legs i have quite a lot of bruises that i have no explanation as to how they could have appeared i dont remember knocking myself that much i do bruise very easily but dont think ive banged my legs or done anything to cause so many, i was just wondering if anyone else has ever had it with leflunomide and if it should be something to keep an eye on, obviously i know no ones a doctor here but mine are shut today so cant call and im not overly worried just asking if anyone else has experienced it before i also know it may not actually be the leflunomide thats done it

Thanks

[JenniferW]

I can't help with the leflunomide but I do get lots of bruising with methotrexate, it doesn't take much, if I just nudge the coffee table with the backs of my legs to move it, it causes bruising. Give the rheumatology helpline a call to ask their advice.

[QAGS in reply to JenniferW]

I use Arnicare Cream, marvellous stuff, takes the pain out of the bruise straight away, also speeds up the healing time. I apply twice a day initially until the bruise starts to fade.

[JenniferW in reply to QAGS]

Thank you, I hadn't considered arnica, I'll give it a go

[Bethany02]

Please go to your doctor asap it may be that your blood counts are low this should be checked

Tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse if you develop any signs of infection, such as:

a sore throat or fever

any unexplained bruising or bleeding

[oldtimer2]

I assume that you are having blood tests? If they are OK, I wouldn't worry too much. I bruise very easily, always have and it's got worse as I've aged.

[emma88 in reply to oldtimer2]

yes i had bloods done just days before i noticed and they didnt say anything about them so i did assume maybe its nothing. I was just checking if anyone else had it before whilst on the drug, im the same i do bruise very easily it was just more the fact that i didnt remember knocking myself so much and there is around ten big bruises on each leg all at the back but like i say i did have bloods days before noticing and nothing was said about anything being low so i wasnt too overly worried. Thank you

[RAGuy]

The unexplained bruising can happen with several RA medications but you must get it reported and checked. Just make sure it is nothing more serious. That is the best wat to proceed and will allay any worries and uncertainty. Don't worry, get it checked instead

[emma88 in reply to RAGuy]

ill let my rheumy know then its at lest noted for further reference if it happens again. Thank you

[Annieb24]

yes! They come from time to time. On my legs - probably about 6, then fade away over a few weeks and then a few months later there will be a few more. I have a fairly regular pattern. On LEF 10mg. Have been to the GP once about it.

[emma88 in reply to Annieb24]

yes i have noticed a few bruises before but always thought maybe i knocked myself at work but ive been off this week so it was more of an unexplained situation this time haha and there was a lot more than usual, i wasnt overly worried about it was just unsure as to whether leflunomide could maybe be a cause for it ive been on it for over a year now but still learning what to look out for and what not. Thank you for your reply

[Neonkittie17]

The meds we take such as DMARD’s, biologics, NSAID’s (such as Ibuprofen and other anti inflammatories) can weaken the capillaries and cause bleeding under the skin, and can result in bruising. As others have said, it’s worth going to get it checked and confirm that your platelets are in range. I’m sure you’re having your bloods monitored by the rheumy/doc that any anomalies are highlighted to them on the screen of your results. As others have said, we can bruise if our skin is thin and many of us have that too due to the RA meds we take. 🤨 Steroid use can make the skin thin too re bruising. That happened to me but once I’d stopped them the bruising stopped. If you think it’s a lot of bruising, show the doc/rheumy (send the rheumy an email with a photo) for your peace of mind. 💗

[Doryza]

I've also been on leflunomide for about 4 years, I haven't really seen any effect🤷 ♀️ But the doctor said it's good to take it, to prevent the disease from advancing, it never worked on its own. I am now on biological treatment with baricidinib, lefonomide and Medrol.

I had those bruises too, quite rarely but they were... the blood tests didn't show anything major. I hope no other problems start... Good health!

[Denise64]

Hi I too am suffering and it tends to be if If I'm itchy which I'm having itchy skin alot, on my arms it bruises like underneath the skin like the type of red marks my 101 year old mum gets but on my legs it goes into large bruises . So im glad you put this post up as I'm going to ring my RA team up tomoz to get this checked out. As my doctors are looking at other things with me at the moment and I think if I contact them with anything else they will send me off with a red card ! 🙈.

Hope you get it sorted keep us all in the loop.

Xxxxx