Leflunomide side effects

[DenMum]

I've been on Sarilumab for just over a year. My bloods are very good but have had several bad flares. Just added Leflunomide v. low dose at present every other day. I'm itching everywhere even though I take antihistamine for hayfever. Worried the itching will increase as the dose is increased. Would appreciate any thoughts. Am about to contact Rheumy dept between bank holidays and strikes.

[Haz58]

Itching can be a side affect I was told to watch out for it and let them know if it happened.

[DenMum in reply to Haz58]

Thanks for your reply. I have been able to speak to my Rheumy dept today and they are getting back to me very soon. Meanwhile the itching is a bit better and I am staying on the half dose until they let me know what to do.

[mld78]

hi. I took leflunomide for a month ( 29 days). I thought I just had to put up with the itching. But it got worse and worse. Almost suicidal with the overwhelming nature of the itching. Blood test showed ALT Rreally high. Stopped leflunomide then after another 4 weeks itching was prescribed an 11 day washout. Bliss! After 8 days the itching was almost nothing.

[DenMum in reply to mld78]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear what a problem it was for you.I soke to my Rheumy dept today and they are asking my consultant for advice. Thankfully the itching is a bit better today but I am not on the full dose yet so we'll see what he says.

[mld78 in reply to DenMum]

I was started on 10mg. Only upped to 20mg the day they rang me to stop it! Watch the itching as mine turned into jaundice and now I have an appointment with the liver people! Not what I was expecting from a rheumy drug.

[DenMum in reply to mld78]

Thanks for the warning. Hope you don't have to wait too long to have your liver checked out.

[mld78 in reply to DenMum]

not too long. 18th May.

[RAGuy]

Hi DenMum

I had the same at one point and later more itching with a biological however I found changing my antihistamine helped me I think there are at least 2 if not 3 different ones available at your local pharmacy. I currently use Loratadine (which is Clarityn but cheaper!) and this worked for me.

I do hope this helps but you are right to tell your Rheumy team. always let them know of issues with your meds and definitely do not put up with them

Good luck and be well

[DenMum]

Thank you. Will see what they say. And may try a different antihistamine. A good thought.