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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Leflunomide

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Englewood, FL

I was started on Leflunomide to prevent inflammation damage after 3 different cortisone shots in 1 year (wrist, knee, ankle).
After reading about it, This medication scares me.
Can anyone share their experience, knowledge, feelings or advice?
Thank you.

July 17, 2023
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Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you for sharing and for your kind support. I hope this works for me too! Hugs!

July 17, 2023
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you so much for your reply.
I’m trying it but b/p is going up, dizziness too.
Hoping my body adjusts.
Can you share your med regimen & How you got there?

July 17, 2023
A MyLupusTeam Member

I am on Imuran and plaquenil for my lupus. However I take several other medications due to side issues from my other auto immune issues. It has been a lot of trial and error with the meds. I have been on methotrexate both oral and sub-cue, Arava, and Benlysta, gosh I feel like there has been more but I cannot remember. It has been 10 years since my diagnosis. Had a lot of symptoms, tests, meds, hospital visits. I truly hope you adjust to it and the sidw effects go away. You know you best so if it does not feel right or you dont like how you feel let your dr know. Keep an open dialogue with all your drs and push for the best care!💜

July 17, 2023
MyLupusTeam

Leflunomide, also known by its brand name Arava, is a prescription drug approved by the FDA to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat lupus, especially when Methotrexate is not effective or tolerated.

Key Points about Leflunomide (Arava)
- Type of Drug: Disease-modifying Show Full Answer

Leflunomide, also known by its brand name Arava, is a prescription drug approved by the FDA to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat lupus, especially when Methotrexate is not effective or tolerated.

Key Points about Leflunomide (Arava):
- Type of Drug: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor.
- Mechanism: Suppresses the immune system and fights inflammation by preventing the production of DNA in cells, including immune cells that contribute to inflammation.
- Administration: Taken orally once daily in tablet form.
- Common Side Effects: Headache, respiratory infections, rash, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
- Serious Side Effects: Severe infections, increased blood pressure, interstitial lung disease, peripheral neuropathy, and potentially fatal skin infections like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

For more details, you can visit the provided resources:
- [Arava – Sanofi](http://www. arava.com/)
- [Immunosuppressive Medications – Johns Hopkins Lupus Center](https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-treatment/lu...)

July 11, 2024
A MyLupusTeam Member

Update: I had adverse symptoms: increased blood pressure, headache, feet cramps, shortness of breath & my heart felt like it was quivering.
My rheumatologist took me off stating I was sensitive to it. He stated all the other immunosuppressants had more side effects than this one.
He did not add another medication at this time. I’m on Plaquenil with prednisone back up.
Remember what does not work for me, may work for you.
Just as this disease is individualized,In symptoms for each of us, so is treatment.
Praying for all of us.

July 27, 2023

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