Blurred Vision

[HappyDiamonds]

Has anyone experienced blurred vision with Leflunomide please and did it improve over time? Ive been on initial low dose for just over 2 weeks and my vision is very blurred. Had eye check and new glasses within last month so im suspecting the Lef. I use eye drops regularly for dry eyes so I don't think that's the problem.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/246...

suggests that LEF can lead to worsening dry eyes in Sjoegrens patients and says right at the end that "Close monitoring of eye dryness changes by special tests in patients using LEF is recommended"

Such patients are likely to be using eye drops as that is a common symptom. You may need better performing ones.

I have to confess to surprise at how much my blurred vision has improved with drops - appeared relatively recently.

[HappyDiamonds in reply to PMRpro]

Im using Thealoz Duo and occasionally Optrex activist double action spray. The reason for using spray is I have rotator cuff problem on right hand side and I have difficulty raising my right arm to put drops in. I started Felodipine for BP 2 weeks ago too and I don't know whether it might be that. I also have lower legs ache/stiffness which is hindering my walking which Im pretty upset about because my arthritis is good and the recent steroid injection helped considerably with trochanteric bursitis. Don't seem to be able to get my mobility sorted everything managed is replaced by something else.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HappyDiamonds]

I feel a bit like that this year!!!! Have you tried using a makeup mirror on a stand on a table so you can rest your elbows on the table to put drops in? Should work without moving the shoulder too much. I got a couple of freebies from the hospital doctor last week - the one I'm using isn't a good advertisement! You have to squeeze the bottle so hard to get a drop to come out ...

[HappyDiamonds in reply to PMRpro]

Sounds a bit like some of the childproof bottles!!!! Good idea about table, why didn't I think of that 🙄

[Devoid in reply to HappyDiamonds]

Hi just to say on your leg issues, I was encouraged to try leflunomide a few weeks ago , at first I just thought it made me a bit lethargic in the afternoon but after a couple more weeks I was having real mobility issues, after 5 weeks I stopped taking it because of how immobile I was. We then came on holiday, I had airport assistance and my husband had to have a wheelchair for me. A week after I had stopped the leflunomide I am enjoying walking and have no problem getting around. I know many have good results but I just seemed to be effected very similar to when I was having methotrexate. Hopefully you will be feeling better soon

[HappyDiamonds in reply to Devoid]

Thank you for taking the time to share your symptoms, to me it seems too much of a coincidence to have new mobility problems. I tried MTX a year or two ago but that made me ill with dizziness, sickness, diarrhoea just couldn't tolerate it. I so wish I could stay on TCZ .

[Hosers2 in reply to HappyDiamonds]

Just curious. Are you, by chance, taking any statins for high cholesterol?

[Koalajane]

I use hycosan extra which is so easy to use

[HappyDiamonds in reply to Koalajane]

Thank you, just ordered some in the hope that it will be easier than squeezing types.

[autumnlass in reply to Koalajane]

It’s brilliant - easy dispensing dropper. No squeezing and aseptic technique when using. The NHS use it too. They gave me a bottle!

[Skysey]

I have been on leflumonide for some time now. My eyes are not generally blurred but can be on occasions. My right eye is more blurred than my left. I don't know if it's due to the leflumonide however. My eyes are not overly dry. Hope you get to the bottom of it.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Skysey]

They may not feel dry to you - mine weren't as bad from feelings as they turned out to be with a test at the hospital.

[Hosers2]

I am not familiar with Leflumonide and definitely not a doctor.

After having PMR and taking Prednisone for seven months, I experienced problems with my right eye. Blurring, vertical and horizontal lines wavy, colors fading out (red is now yellow, blue in almost white). It turns out I had Macular Degeneration (wet) in my eye. The Ophthalmologist suspect that the steroids (Prednisone) could be a contributor, so I changed meds to Hydroxychloroquine.

Here is a good read about Macular Degeneration:

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...

The most telling test is looking at a grid to see if the lines are straight. If they are wavy, I would suggest you see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

[HappyDiamonds in reply to Hosers2]

Thank you for replying and Im sorry to hear you have macular degeneration. I know I don't have anything seriously wrong because I have recently had an operation at my local eye hospital for a macular hole and was very thoroughly checked out. To answer your question above Im not on statins yet. Hope things go well for you.

[Hosers2]

That is good news. Hope you can get things figured out.