Lefumide 10 mg (Leflunomide)

Lefumide is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It comprises of an active component Leflunomide, which belongs to the class of drugs known as disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It is an inhibitor of pyrimidine synthesis with anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. The drug was approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in 1998 and psoriatic arthritis in 2004. It should be used with regular monitoring of renal parameters and should be stopped at the earliest sign of renal abnormality. 

What is Lefumide used for? 

Lefumide 10 mg is indicated for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation of the joints, pain, swelling, and trouble moving. Other signs and symptoms of the disease, which affects the whole body, include fever, lack of red blood cells, loss of energy, appetite loss, etc.

Signs of an active psoriatic arthritis include scaly skin, difficulty moving, inflammation of the joints, red patches, pain, and swelling.

How does Lefumide work?

The medicine contains the active substance Leflunomide, an immunosuppressive agent, which functions by reducing the activity of the immune system. In the case of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, this activity helps to reduce inflammations and thus, reduce swelling and pain. It restricts damage to the joints and helps to prevent disability in the long term.

Where to buy Lefumide online?

Buy Lefumide 10 mg online from premiumrxdrugs.com- your most reliable online pharmacy. The medicine is available in the form of a tablet in the pack sizes of 30, 60, and 90.  

What does Lefumide contain?  

Lefumide contains the active ingredient Leflunomide, an isoxazole immune-modulatory drug, which falls into the category of drugs known as DMARD. Each film-coated tablet contains 10mg of Leflunomide.

Effects of alcohol on Lefumide 

Lefumide may cause harm to your liver, therefore, avoid heavy alcohol consumption during the treatment. It is still not known what level of drinking is safe when on Lefumide.

What are the side effects of Lefumide?

• One of the most common side effects of the medicine is diarrhea. Other gastrointestinal effect includes esophagitis, stomatitis, cholelithiasis, and colitis.  
• Liver toxicity may occur. Most cases of this problem are seen within six months of the treatment with multiple risk factors.
• Myelosuppression-leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia has been reported.
• Skin conditions such as, acne eruptions, alopecia, hair discoloration, maculopapular rash, life threatening Stevens Jonson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis may occur.
• Respiratory infection with Aspergillus and Pneumocystis jiroveci has also been experienced.
• Other unwanted effects include angina, palpitation, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.  

What medications interact with Lefumide?

• Adverse reactions may occur when Lefumide 10 mg is administered concomitantly with hepatotoxic agents.
• The combined use of Lefumide with cholestyramine causes decreased levels of the prodrug.
• Co-administrations of drugs such as NSAIDs and acetretin known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury.
• Concomitant administration of Leflunomide with rifampin can also cause drug interactions.
• Avoid using this medicine with tolbutamide as it can cause an increase in tissue concentration.

When should Lefumide not be used?

• Lefumide 10 mg should not be used in pregnant women or women with child bearing potential. Women are advised not to become pregnant before two years of completion of treatment.
• It is not recommended for use in patients with known hypersensitivity to Leflunomide and other inactive ingredients of the preparation.
• The medicine is not meant for use in patients with severe immunodeficiency or bone marrow dysplasia.
• Patients with pre-existing hepatic or renal impairment are advised not to take Lefumide.  

How should Lefumide be taken?

Lefumide is available in the form of a tablet for oral administration. The dose of 100 mg daily for three days is given to rapidly reach a steady drug level.  

• For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: The initial loading dose is followed by the maintenance dose of 10 to 20 mg daily.
• Foe psoriatic arthritis: 20 mg daily is the suggested initial dose.

Always follow your physician’s advice and do as instructed.

How long should Lefumide be taken?

Lefumide does not work straight away. It usually starts showing improvement after 4 to 8 weeks.  The full effect may be noticed after 4 to 8 weeks of the treatment. The intake of the drug continued for more than 10 years as long as it is effective and no serious adverse reactions happen. If the treatment is stopped for more than a few weeks, there is a possibility that your condition will worsen. Continue taking the medicine unless advised by your physician.

Missed dose of Lefumide

Try not to miss doses as missing doses can delay your improvement. In case, you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember, but do not take it if the time to take the next dose is near. Skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to the recommended dosing schedule. Call you physician and inform about the missed dose or doses and until then do not take two doses together to compensate the missed one.

How should Lefumide be stored?

• Keep all the medicines out of the reach of children
• Store the tablet in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat.
• Do not freeze the tablets.