Leflunomide (Arava) Side Effects

Possible side effects of leflunomide are listed below. Tell your doctor if these unwanted effects are severe or continue after a few days.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Unusual tiredness
• Weight loss
• Muscle pain 
• Muscle weakness
• Leg cramps
• Back pain
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet
• Dry skin
• Hair loss

Leflunomide can also cause more serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following symptoms:

• Allergic reaction with skin rash, hives, itching, blistering, peeling
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Mouth sores
• New or worsening cough
• Sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms
• Pale skin 

The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of leflunomide. Contact your healthcare professional if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Leflunomide (Arava) Overdose: In case of an overdose of leflunomide, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure. Symptoms of a leflunomide overdose may include stomach pain, diarrhea, weakness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, or pale skin.

Source: FDA