answer to Jeromekjerome re Leflunomide

[composition]

trying to answer JeromekJerome about Leflunomide but couldn't pull up the link so hope this helps: I've been on it for almost a year, but I did quit it for 6 weeks because my BP started climbing. The rheumatologist didn't think that was the culprit but let me stop it. Now I am back on it because the prednisone has caused increased osteoporosis --or at least the MD thinks so. MY BP is under control and did go down after an increase in the Toprol, so who knows what causes what at this point! If I could find Jerome's post maybe I could be more specific. There are more and more studies about Leflunomide being effective for PMR. I am now down to 8 mg. prednisone with the Leflunomide and slowly slowly tapering. I am not a candidate for Methotrexate sp? so the MD said the no. 3 choice when those 2 fail is Leflunomide. Sorry I'm not specifically answering the query but my computer refuses to pull the link up from my email. composition

[Jeromekjerome]

Thanks for the info.

Was it this post? healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...?

We haven't heard of Methotrexat. Frustratingly my mum's rheumatologist hasn't spoken to her for months. Even when it was a scheduled phone appointment. I am in touch with someone from the rheumatology department who is very helpful and caring but even when I ask him to pass on info we still don't hear anything back.

I don't like the sound of this fatigue she has. I'm worried sick as usual.

[composition in reply to Jeromekjerome]

I may not be the best resource because I have read Leflunomide has side effects. I am very active at 78 [not exercise class or yoga but go, go go] so I do rest midday. I also have Sjogrens and have had it for years so have peripheral neuropathies on my feet from that. However that is also a side effect of the Leflunomide. There have been posts on this site about the effects of the drug before, but I have chosen to follow my rheumatologist's direction to get off of prednisone because of 4 stress fractures this past year! I've been on it for 2 years now and down to 8 mg. after one flareup several months ago.

Bottom line: Push for an appointment with your mother's rheumatologist and follow that advice. Since I'm in the US, it is easy to get in to see her. For me, there isn't much choice. Good thing about it is you don't have to taper, just quit; bad thing, I think it stays in the system for quite some time. Good luck!