Warnings


What may interact with Leflunomide?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-teriflunomide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-alosetron
-birth control pills
-caffeine
-cefaclor
-certain medicines for diabetes like nateglinide, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone
-certain medicines for high cholesterol like atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
-charcoal
-cholestyramine
-ciprofloxacin
-duloxetine
-furosemide
-ketoprofen
-live virus vaccines
-medicines that increase your risk for infection
-methotrexate
-mitoxantrone
-paclitaxel
-penicillin
-theophylline
-tizanidine
-warfarin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Leflunomide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-diabetes
-have a fever or infection
-high blood pressure
-immune system problems
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-low blood cell counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma
-recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine
-receiving treatment for cancer
-skin conditions or sensitivity
-tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder
-tuberculosis
-an unusual or allergic reaction to leflunomide, teriflunomide, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Leflunomide?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

This medicine may stay in your body for up to 2 years after your last dose. Tell your doctor about any unusual side effects or symptoms. A medicine can be given to help lower your blood levels of this medicine more quickly.

Women must use effective birth control with this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you wish to become pregnant. This medicine remains in your blood after you stop taking it. You must continue using effective birth control until the blood levels have been checked and they are low enough. A medicine can be given to help lower your blood levels of this medicine more quickly. Immediately talk to your doctor if you think you may be pregnant. You may need a pregnancy test. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist for more information.

You should not receive certain vaccines during your treatment and for a certain time after your treatment with this medication ends. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.