Leflunomide side effects?

[Gilliancheche]

I've been taking Leflunomide for nearly 8 weeks, so far yet to feel any benefit at all. However I wake up most mornings with a headache. Perhaps 5 times of seven, sometimes the headache wakes me around 4 or 5 am. Also my skin, which tends to be dry has been extremely dry and itchy too. Has anyone else had these issues? Do they ease off?

[medway-lady]

It made me very sick and the RA more painful then after 12/14 weeks it just worked. I woke up and the best way I can describe it that the world was just right. I never looked back so when it had to be stopped because of an AKI it was so hard. Nothing since has worked so well. So give it time and you might be lucky , the side effects went overnight and never returned. I had complete remission for years. I hope that it gives you relief soon and if it doesn’t in due course there are other medications so stay positive and be patient.

[Deeb1764]

I was like that when I called my RA team they took me off them. Worth calling them to chat

[Madmusiclover in reply to Deeb1764]

Yes I only managed 4 days on them. Intolerable headaches.

[oldtimer2]

How's your blood pressure on it? Mine went haywire on leflunomide (I'm on medication as I have hypertension anyway). Worth checking!

[kenw in reply to oldtimer2]

Been on Leflunomide from 2012 after periods in hospital with RA and it has worked very well for me and it is worth carrying on. My only problem has been blood pressure and you will be on three monthly DMARDS from your local surgery. Hope this helps and you feel better soon

[donnabrain]

I too wake with a headache since starting leflunomide, but it's mild, and dissipates as soon as I have had my head upright for 10 minutes U think we need to ensure not to dehydrate, so more water may be the answer.

Dry itchy skin can be low B12