Leflunomide Ratiopharm

Leflunomide, the active ingredient in Leflunomide Ratiopharm, is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) presented as a tablet for oral use. It treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in adult patients.

GNH USA supplies Leflunomide Ratiopharm as a licensed, GDP-compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that targets inflammatory joint diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and slows structural damage. Psoriatic arthritis: improves skin lesions and joint symptoms. Adults with active disease unresponsive to conventional therapy: helps achieve disease control.

Leflunomide may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects: - Diarrhea: loose stools or increased frequency. - Nausea: feeling of sickness. - Hair loss: thinning or shedding of hair. - Elevated liver enzymes: increased ALT/AST levels. - Rash: mild skin irritation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe liver injury: jaundice, fatigue, dark urine. - Aplastic anemia: low blood cell counts causing fatigue and infection risk. - Pulmonary toxicity: cough, shortness of breath. - Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before initiating Leflunomide, consider the following precautions to ensure safe use.

Pregnancy: contraindicated; avoid use in women of childbearing potential. Liver function: assess baseline enzymes and monitor regularly. Infection risk: screen for active infections before treatment. Blood counts: monitor complete blood count periodically. Vaccinations: avoid live vaccines during therapy. Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, in original packaging, protect from moisture.

Leflunomide can interact with several medicines, affecting efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Teriflunomide: additive immunosuppression, avoid combined use. - Methotrexate: increased risk of hepatotoxicity. - Cyclosporine: heightened liver toxicity. - Anticoagulants (warfarin): may enhance anticoagulant effect. - Live vaccines: risk of infection, avoid.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Statins: possible increased risk of myopathy. - Rifampin: reduces leflunomide plasma levels. - Oral contraceptives: may decrease effectiveness. - NSAIDs: may increase liver enzyme elevations. - CYP2C9 inhibitors: may raise leflunomide exposure.