Update on Leflunomide and Alcohol

[PastelsinArt]

I've now had an appointment with Dr Mackie and as my blood results are all satisfactory I've got the go-ahead to have a glass of wine now and then - yay! I've been trying a few alcohol free (0.5%) beers, a few of which are OK. I prefer ones that are less citrussy, like Lucky Saint. All seems to be going well with Leflunomide at present, and I have the extra support of the last couple of Tociluzumide injections which I'm spacing out. After these are finished, and after a couple of holidays in Italy, I will be increasing the Leflunomide from 10mg to 20mg per day (hoping this won't trigger diarrhea which I have luckily dodged so far). I'm feeling quite bouyant at the moment at 3mg and tapering pred on the DSNS plan. Thanks to advice on HU I've avoided a flare for a while.

[SheffieldJane]

This all sounds very positive. Onward and upward!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Where are you off to? Tad cosy here at present!!!!

[PastelsinArt in reply to PMRpro]

I'm going to the Lunigiana region in Tuscany at the end of August on a painting holiday. Hoping that (a) heatwave will have abated and (b) that as it's quite mountainous there it might help with temperature. Then Sicily with hubby later in September. 🤞 for not🥵. Any insider info welcome!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PastelsinArt]

Never been to Sicily - would love to! Lunigiana brings back memories - the first place I really remember in Italy was near La Spezia, spent my 21st birthday there camping in early August! But since that is 49 years ago I don't remember a lot about it! Apart from seeing these enormous platters of mussels being brought out for the table next to us. Hadn't clue what they were but knew I wanted to try them! Still love them!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PastelsinArt]

My son and family went to Sicily at Easer, loved it, but a bit hilly in places?

[Smudge-1]

Great news. Enjoy the Italian wines! Did you see Garnacha’s post recently which said there is now a 15mg tablet of Lef? I shall follow it up with my Rheumy. I had to increase my Lef dose when I got to about 3mg Pred too. Enjoy your hols.

[PastelsinArt in reply to Smudge-1]

That's interesting. I'll bear it in mind for my next rheumy appointment.

[Jackoh]

All sounds good x💐

[Caloo650]

Thanks for your reply. Not sure if I can speed up the taper with this drug. So far so good