leflulamide / aledronic acid

[Sasol]

my pmr has now added gca in January this year, I was supposed to start leflunemide in March, but before taking my bp went sky high. so I couldn’t start. then last week had to get covid vaccine as I usually am I’ll for 3 days I waited , so only started this week Monday, ( I have been tapering prednisolone since December22 as rheumatologist scheduled ) I am taking aledronc acid every Thursday. prednisolone I have tapered from 40 mg down to 9 from today do I take leflulamide while taking my aledronic acid does anyone know if these interact . Thank you stay safe have great day everyone 🤗

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Not according to this from NICE - but do check patient information leaflets for both drugs or pharmacist -

bnf.nice.org.uk/interaction...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can take them on the same day but not at the same time on that day. AA must be taken first thing in the morning and not with ANYTHING else except a large glass of tap water. You can take other medication after an hour has elapsed.

However - if you had GCA diagnosed in January and have already managed to get to 9mg from 40mg I would be doubtful that leflunomide is necessary - it has no proven record in GCA at all. How was the GCA diagnosed - is it a definite diagnosis?

[Sasol in reply to PMRpro]

thank you yes I had a really bad headache thought was migraine as I used to suffer My drs valued rheumatologist who called to say I need to go into Poole to see him and had scans that was definite for Classic GCA I hadn’t been seen due to an email that had not been received in the previous year and eventually I could not take the pains and feeling Unwell then was said they must have missed it due to my steroids I was issued a red. Card and had to start all over again with steroids that I had been off for almost four months. First tapers were over two weeks till 15mg ( by 20mg all my aches have returned) and from here on is over four weeks on each taper but I am sticking to the schedule although lot of fatigue and try to do what I can and rest too. I have blood test done now every two weeks while started leflulamide. Thank you for info about the AA and leflulamide . Have a good day

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sasol]

Do be careful at this level - GCA is VERY prone to flaring in the first 18 months after diagnosis. Don't be in a hurry - with or without leflunomide.

[Sasol in reply to PMRpro]

will do thank you for your replies this site always is a help just reading others are going through things I struggle with too . Thank you again for your advice and concern 🤗stay well and enjoy your day 🤗

[Grammy80]

I'm just wrapping up three years with GCA and entered single digits for the first time this year....since 2019. Don't be rushing too much, your eyesight is too important.💞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

And that is on Actemra too!!!!

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

True...Pro...started Pred August of 2019, Actemra was added October 2019. When I asked my rheumy what happens when/if I get to -0- pred....he said he was going to keep me on Actemra. OK with me~!💞