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Introduction About LEFRA 20MG TABLET
LEFRA 20MG TABLET contains Leflunomide which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-rheumatics. It is indicated in adults for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune chronic inflammatory disorder which affects many joints including those in the hands and feet. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, swelling, difficulty moving and pain, loss of appetite, fever, loss of energy and anaemia (lack of red blood cells).
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is also used in adults to manage active psoriatic arthritis. Active psoriatic arthritis refers to a condition where psoriasis, a skin condition is present along with arthritis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, swelling, difficulty in moving, pain and patches of red and scaly skin (skin lesions).
Before starting management with LEFRA 20MG TABLET, your doctor might ask you to take a few blood tests to understand the existing condition and to use this medicine safely.
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients having liver or moderate to severe kidney disease, any problem which affects the immune system (like AIDS), bone marrow problems, serious infections, severely low levels of proteins in the blood (hypoproteinaemia) and reduced levels of white or red blood cells and platelet count.
LEFRA 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have interstitial lung disease, tuberculosis and if you are a male who wishes to father a child and chronic diarrhoea. Avoid consumption of alcohol during management with this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or women who become pregnant during management with this medicine and it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).
The most common side effects of taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET are loss of appetite, tiredness, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the mouth or mouth ulcers, abdominal pain and increased hair loss. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Uses Of LEFRA 20MG TABLET
Manages,
- active rheumatoid arthritis
- active psoriatic arthritis
How LEFRA 20MG TABLET Works
LEFRA 20MG TABLET acts by inhibiting an enzyme which results in stopping the activated and autoimmune white blood cells. This inhibition leads to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammation due to arthritis.
How to use LEFRA 20MG TABLET
Take LEFRA 20MG TABLET as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of LEFRA 20MG TABLET
Common
- mild allergic reactions
- loss of appetite, weight loss
- tiredness
- headache, dizziness
- abnormal skin sensations like tingling (paraesthesia)
- mild increase in blood pressure
- diarrhoea, inflammation of the colon
- nausea, vomiting
- mouth ulcers or swelling of the mouth
- abdominal pain
- increased hair loss
- eczema, dry skin, rash, itching
- tendonitis (pain in feet or hands caused by inflammation in the membrane surrounding the tendons)
- problems affecting the nerves of the arms or legs
Uncommon
- anxiety
- taste disturbances
- urticaria (nettle rash)
- tendon rupture
Rare
- severe increase in blood pressure
- inflammation of the lung (interstitial lung disease)
- hepatitis and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes)
- sepsis (severe infection)
Stop taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- serious allergic reaction (signs include weakness, light-headedness or dizziness or have difficulty breathing)
- skin rash and ulcers in the mouth (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systematic Symptoms (DRESS), stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- blood disorders (signs include pale skin, tiredness, bruising)
- signs of liver failure (signs include tiredness, abdominal pain and jaundice)
- signs of infection (signs include cough, fever and sore throat)
- coughing or breathing problems (signs include interstitial lung disease or pulmonary hypertension)
- signs of peripheral neuropathy (unusual tingling, weakness or pain in the hands or feet)
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea or vomiting:
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Diarrhoea:
Drink lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage diarrhoea and consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.
Headache:
Drink ample amount of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Apply pain relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Loss of appetite:
Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruits and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or women who become pregnant during management with this medicine, as it may increase the risk of serious birth defects in the baby. Women of childbearing potential should not take LEFRA 20MG TABLET without using reliable contraceptive measures. If you plan to become pregnant after stopping management with this medicine and it is necessary to ensure that all traces of the medicine have left your body, this may take up to 2 years. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Breastfeeding
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it passes through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET as it may increase the chances of liver damage.
Kidney
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Liver
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with any liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Allergy
Do not take LEFRA 20MG TABLET if you are allergic to Leflunomide or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Lungs
LEFRA 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have suffered with interstitial lung disease or if you ever had tuberculosis. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Others
GBNKEYWORD] is not recommended for use if you:
- have any problem which affects the immune system (like AIDS)
- have bone marrow problems or reduced white blood or red blood cells and platelets
- have serious infections
- have hypoproteinaemia (severely low levels of proteins in the blood)
Before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- are a male who wishes to father a child
- are due to have a specific blood test (calcium test)
- unexplained chronic diarrhoea
Use in paediatrics:
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age). Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Interactions
A. Drug – Drug Interactions:
Before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis (Ex. sulfasalazine), antimalarials (Ex. chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine), intramuscular or oral gold, D-penicillamine
- medicines used as immunosuppressants (Ex. azathioprine, methotrexate)
- medicines used as blood thinners (Ex. warfarin)
- medicines used to manage multiple sclerosis (Ex. teriflunomide)
- medicines used for the management of diabetes (repaglinide, pioglitazone, nateglinide, rosiglitazone)
- medicines used in the management of cancer (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, topotecan)
- medicine used for depression, urinary incontinence or in kidney disease in diabetics (Ex. duloxetine)
- medicines used for the management of severe diarrhoea (Ex alosetron)
- medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. theophylline)
- medicines used as a muscle relaxant (Ex. tizanidine)
- oral contraceptives (Ex. ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel)
- medicines used for infections (Ex. cefaclor, benzylpenicillin (penicillin G), ciprofloxacin)
- medicines used for the management of pain or inflammation (Ex. indomethacin, ketoprofen)
- diuretics for heart disease (Ex. furosemide)
- medicines used in the management of HIV infection (Ex. zidovudine)
- medicines used in the management of high cholesterol (Ex. rosuvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, colestyramine, pravastatin)
- activated charcoal (used to manage certain kinds of poisoning)
- vaccinations
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of LEFRA 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Leflunomide |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Rheumatoid Arthritis, Active psoriatic arthritis |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep LEFRA 20MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store the medicine at room temperature
FAQs About LEFRA 20MG TABLET
What is LEFRA 20MG TABLET and why is it given?
LEFRA 20MG TABLET contains leflunomide which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-rheumatic medicines. It is used to manage active rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
What type of drug is LEFRA 20MG TABLET?
LEFRA 20MG TABLET has leflunomide as the active agent which is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs). It acts by slowing the progression of the condition and decreasing the inflammation which aids in improving the physical activity of the people affected with rheumatoid arthritis.
Can LEFRA 20MG TABLET be taken by pregnant women?
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or women who become pregnant during management with this medicine, as it may increase the risk of serious birth defects in the baby. Women of childbearing potential should not take LEFRA 20MG TABLET without using reliable contraceptive measures. If you plan to become pregnant after stopping management with this medicine and it is necessary to ensure that all traces of the medicine have left your body, this may take up to 2 years. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Does LEFRA 20MG TABLET affects the liver?
LEFRA 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients who have liver diseases. Inform your doctor if you notice any signs of liver injury (which includes itching, yellowing of eyes or skin, loss of appetite, dark urine or light-coloured stools). Your doctor may monitor your liver function test before and during management with LEFRA 20MG TABLET to manage the risk of liver damage. Consult your doctor before taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET.
Does LEFRA 20MG TABLET has any effect on male fertility?
LEFRA 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in a male who wishes to father a child because it may pass into the semen. Effective contraception must be exercised while on the course of LEFRA 20MG TABLET. If you wish to father a child and you are taking LEFRA 20MG TABLET, ask for your doctor’s advice as he may advise you to stop taking this medicine and take certain medications to remove this medicine rapidly from the body. Consult your doctor for advice.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Autacoids and Related Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 212.
2. Inderbir S. Padda; Amandeep Goyal. Leflunomide. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Bookshelf. [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 17th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557799/
3. Muhammad Ishaq, Salma Razzaque, Fadieleh Shohail, Ajeet Kumar, Jibran Sualeh Muhammad. Onset of Hypertension in Leflunamide Treated Low Socioeconomic Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: An Unseen Iceberg. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. 2019. [Accessed on 17th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29283072/
4. Pharmathen SA. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2021] [Accessed on 17th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5399.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- X-rays
- Complete Blood Count
- Liver Function Test
- Kidney Function Test
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