Timing of Leflunomide

[Gilliancheche]

I am about to start taking leflunomide. If I decide 7.30 is generally a good time for me to take it, is it ok if occasionally I take at 8.30 or 6.30 if circumstances prevent me from taking at 7.30?

[Amnesiac3637]

It’ll be fine if you deviate from your normal time now and again. All drugs have a leeway built in and the sky won’t fall in if you’re an hour in front or behind.

Dosing regimes are designed for the patient who is taking the drugs to have a regular habit of taking them, the drug has a ‘steady state’ in your bloodstream when taken around the same time daily - that means that its effect is evenly spaced throughout the time period so it’s good to get into a regular schedule but life gets in the way sometimes so don’t worry too much!

[medway-lady]

I used to take it with food at teatime. And with full glass of water as it tastes vile when sticks.

[ruth_p]

I take all my tablets with breakfast no matter what time I have it.

[WilfDog]

Hi GillianchecheUnless you've been told anything different, I'm sure that would be fine. I'm not as strict as that with Etanercept. I take it on the same day each week, but when it's convenient and not at a particular time.

[Sebastian247]

I'm fairly new to taking Lef as well. I take mine each morning with breakfast, but the exact time varies, for instance later at weekends. I'm certain few hours each way doesn't matter, but there's advice in the leaflet about taking it so you might want to read that.

Seb

[Gilliancheche in reply to Sebastian247]

I read the advice leaflet and a bit too much information. Made me even more nervous about taking it at all 😱

[Hopeful1 in reply to Gilliancheche]

They are obliged to put every recorded side effect on the leaflets even some very rare ones. Not everyone suffers even one side effect. Some your body adjusts to quickly so they are no bother. If you should experience one which is a problem for you then get back to the prescriber. There are usually alternatives. But I am sure the one chosen for you was chosen with care and experience. And taking the drugs is better than the disease rampaging unchecked. Try not to worry but think of all those many folk taking these drugs safely and effectively. Best wishes

[Sebastian247 in reply to Gilliancheche]

My experience of taking Lef has been pretty good (less side effects than some other drugs I've been on). I've been on it 5 weeks and on the full dose for a week. I've had some mild tummy upset but seem to be over that now and I think I am starting to see it helping. Obviously everyones experience of taking medication is unique to them but hopefully you are reassured.

[medway-lady in reply to Gilliancheche]

It changed my life and was in remission for years. I only wish I could still have it as it was great. Not everyone will get the same result but you can be hopeful as I would never have known I had severe RA with LEF. No other medication or Biologic including Abatercept has worked as well.

[Gilliancheche in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks, early days for me, I will remain hopeful 👍

[Gilliancheche]

Thanks, I'm trying not to think about the side effects. Have you felt any improvement in your symptoms yet?

[Nana-8 in reply to Gilliancheche]

To clarify… I had NO negative benefits with a Leflunomide… only weaning off of it during infusions. I understand a flush is normally done to rid the drug in a timely manner. After 3 months without it things are returning to normal.

Leflunomide just stopped working effectively for me is the reasons to start infusions.

Everyone has a different experience with pharmaceuticals.

[Nana-8]

Leflunomide made a wonderful difference in my sleep. I’d take it an hour before bedtime. I would naturally get so sleepy I just dosed off for the night without thought. I normally have insomnia.

[Blodynhaul]

Hi Gillian, I had my best RA-controlled years on Leflunamide. Unlike Methotrexate for me, it caused no side effects through the 7 years I was on it and was excellent keeping the RA down. For some reason it stopped working, so had to come off it. I've never been a person of set routines, so taking medication has never been exactly at the same time, though I'm usually within a couple of hours. If, on rarer occasions I forget to take it through the day, then I leave it till the next day, but don't like missing a day of course. I wouldn't take it much earlier than the dose the previous day, to avoid having too much in the sytem, but if it's slightly longer between doses, it's not a big problem, in my experience - I never noticed a difference in that way, once it's built up in the body.

Good luck, personally wouldn't worry about an hour or two either way taking the dose. But best to listen to others' experiences on this forum too! 😃👍