Leflunomide – What It Is and How It Works

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune joint disease, chances are your doctor mentioned Leflunomide. It’s an oral drug that slows down the immune system’s attack on joint tissue. By blocking an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, it reduces the production of new immune cells that cause inflammation.

Unlike some biologics you inject, Leflunomide comes in a tablet you take once daily. That makes it easy to fit into a regular routine, but the convenience also means you need to stay on top of monitoring labs and side‑effects.

When to Take Leflunomide

Leflunomide is usually prescribed for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who haven’t responded well to first‑line drugs like methotrexate. It can also be used for psoriatic arthritis and some rare autoimmune conditions.

The typical starting dose is 20 mg taken once a day after a short loading phase of 100 mg per day for three days. Doctors often keep the dose at 20 mg, but they may lower it to 10 mg if you develop liver issues or blood‑count problems.

Because the drug stays in your body for weeks, doctors will check your liver enzymes and complete blood count before starting treatment and then every month for the first three months. If everything looks good, testing can be spaced out to every three months.

Managing Side Effects

The most common side effects are mild – headache, diarrhea, or a rash that goes away on its own. More serious concerns include liver toxicity and low white‑blood‑cell counts, which is why regular lab work is non‑negotiable.

If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, or an unusual bruising pattern, call your doctor right away. In many cases, adjusting the dose or pausing the medication for a few weeks can resolve the issue.

Pregnancy is another red flag. Leflunomide can cause birth defects, so both men and women need to use effective contraception during treatment and for several months after stopping. Your doctor may prescribe a wash‑out procedure with cholestyramine to speed up drug clearance if you plan to become pregnant.

For those worried about buying the medication online, stick to reputable pharmacies that require a prescription. Look for sites that display a valid pharmacy license, secure payment options and clear return policies. Avoid any offer that promises “no prescription needed” – it’s illegal and unsafe.

At StrapCart Pharmaceuticals we keep a library of articles on drugs like Leflunomide, so you can read up on dosage tips, drug interactions (it interacts with warfarin, some antibiotics, and birth control pills), and real‑world patient experiences. Bookmark the page to stay updated as new research emerges.

Bottom line: Leflunomide can be a solid option for controlling rheumatoid arthritis when you follow your doctor’s monitoring plan, respect the pregnancy warnings, and source it from a trustworthy pharmacy. With the right approach, many patients see reduced joint pain and improved daily function within a few weeks.