A NEW SYMPTOM, IS IT LEFLUNOMIDE CAUSING IT

[shazstep]

Currently between 4 and 4.5 preds. After breaking 3 ribs a few months ago I was on oxygen for aprox 3 weeks. Since then I have been extremely happy with my journey. Not anymore. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned to my gp that my breathing had changed. I can't explain how but it changed. Tuesday I woke having so much trouble coughing and breathing. I finished up ringing for an ambulance. My oxygen levels were down to 87%. I was put straight on oxygen. Many hours later I was sent home from hospital as my oxygen levels had stabilised around 67/68%. An xray was done but did not show anything. They did question if maybe leflunomide could be part of the problem. Currently I feel it is a head cold, runny nose, watery eyes. Has anyone else developed oxygen level drops? I have never had a problem before I broke my ribs.

[123-go]

Hello shazstep. I’m no medical expert but my first thoughts were that your symptoms are closely related to your broken ribs and that you need more than an X-ray to discover their cause, for example a CT scan or an MRI which would detect damage to soft tissue and blood vessels.

If you haven’t already looked at side effects of Leflunomide you can find information here:

google.com/url?sa=t&source=...

Personally, I would want to know what is causing those distressing symptoms and ask for further investigations.

Another thought- is it possible you have ‘flu? I see that it’s been conspicuous in Australia.

Also, for interest, how long have you been taking Leflunomide and at what dose?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

97/98 I hope, not 60-something! trust!!!!

medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUart....

does suggest it can cause lung problems

[piglette]

My gosh you are heading for cyanosis at that level 67/68%. Do you have an oximeter at home? I got one when I heard low oxygen levels are found with Covid.

[Karenjaninaz]

I have been on Oxygen over a year but I wrote other posts delineating my experience(asthma and restrictive lung disease from scoliosis). Just being on prednisone weakens all muscles including respiratory. They will recover their strength with tapering and exercise. I read this info in the medical journal "Chest".

[shazstep]

UPDATE This morning I stopped lefluminide. When I checked side effects I have 14 symptoms that can be atributed to lefluminide. I am still having lots of trouble breathing and now I can feel it in the airways. Last week my airways felt clear. I have been given an emergency appointment with rhuemi on Thursday. I have also applied through Aged Care for an oxymetre so I can monitor myself.

I don't know why I did not check for side effects. I did before I was coerced into going on it. Thanks for the reminder.

This group is priceless. Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.