INTRODUCTION ABOUT LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET
LEFUMIDE
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).
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET, your doctor might ask you to take a few
blood tests to understand the existing condition and to use this
medicine safely. Â
LEFUMIDE 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.
LEFUMIDE 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.
LEFUMIDE 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. LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use
in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).
The most
common side effects of taking LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET
Manages,
- active rheumatoid arthritis
- active psoriatic arthritis
HOW LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET WORKS
LEFUMIDE
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.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take
LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 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
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
BREASTFEEDING
LEFUMIDE
20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it
passes through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking
LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET as it may increase the chances of liver damage.
KIDNEY
LEFUMIDE
20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to
severe kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking LEFUMIDE 20MG
TABLET.
LIVER
LEFUMIDE
20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with any liver
problems. Consult your doctor before taking LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
ALLERGY
Do not take LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET if you are allergic to Leflunomide or any other ingredients of this medicine.
LUNGS
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 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 Â
Use in paediatrics:
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET,
consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | :Â Â | Leflunomide |
| Pharmacological Category | :Â Â | Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) |
| Therapeutic Indication | :Â Â | Rheumatoid Arthritis, Active psoriatic arthritis |
| Dosage Forms | :Â Â | Tablet |
MORE INFORMATION
- Â Keep LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store the medicine at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET
What is LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET and why is it given?
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
What type of drug is LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET?
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET be taken by pregnant women?
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
Does LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET affects the liver?
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET to
manage the risk of liver damage. Consult your doctor before taking
LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET.
Does LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET has any effect on male fertility?
LEFUMIDE
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 LEFUMIDE 20MG TABLET. If you wish to
father a child and you are taking LEFUMIDE 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.
| Weight | 17.5 g |
|---|
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