LEFUMIDE 10MG TABLET

Introduction:

Lefumide 10mg Tablet contains leflunomide. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints characterized by swelling, pain and difficulty moving. Loss of appetite, fever, and anemia can also occur. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis affecting people who have psoriasis. The symptoms are swelling, inflammation of joints, pain, patches of red, scaly skin, and difficulty moving.

You need to inform your physician if you have a serious infection, severe kidney problems, liver problems, any disease which affects your immune system (AIDS), bone marrow disorders, or low proteins in your blood before taking Lefumide 10mg Tablet. Consult your physician if you have any intolerance to some sugars or lung disorders before starting treatment.

Use effective birth control during the treatment. Leflunomide must be completely removed from your body before you are trying to have a baby. If you wish to have a child during or after the treatment with Lefumide 10mg Tablet, you should contact your doctor. Do not drink alcohol during the treatment. Ask your physician for advice before getting any vaccination.

Uses of Lefumide 10mg Tablet:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis

How Lefumide 10mg Tablet works:

Lefumide 10mg Tablet inhibits the multiplication of activated white blood cells (lymphocytes) which are responsible for the inflammation.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Lefumide 10mg Tablet out of sight and reach of children.
• Store below 15 - 30°C.

References:

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants, tolerogens, and immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1014.
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antirheumatoid and antigout drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 212.
3. Aspire Pharma Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Feb 2021] [ Accessed on 13th August 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5395.pdf
4. Sanofi-aventis US LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on July 2011] [ Accessed on 13th August 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020905s022lbl.pdf

How to use Lefumide 10mg Tablet:

Take Lefumide 10mg Tablet in a dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with plenty of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Do not take Lefumide 10mg Tablet if you are, or think you might be pregnant as this medicine can harm the unborn baby. You need to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. 

Breastfeeding:

You should not take Lefumide 10mg Tablet if you are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. 

Liver:

You need to tell your doctor if you have any liver disorders before taking Lefumide 10mg Tablet as this medicine is contraindicated in patients with liver disorders.

Kidney:

You need to tell your doctor if you have any kidney disorders before taking Lefumide  10mg Tablet as this medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney disorders.

Driving: 

Lefumide 10mg Tablet can cause dizziness. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

• Do not drink alcohol during the treatment.
• Ask your doctor for advice before getting any vaccination.
• Inform your physician if you have any intolerance to some sugars, serious infection, any disease which affects your immune system (AIDS), bone marrow disorders, or low proteins in your blood before taking Lefumide 10mg Tablet.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Serious allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, feeling dizzy or light-headed, weakness)
• Skin rash or ulcers in the mouth, bruising, pale skin
• Yellow discoloration of eyes and skin, abdominal pain
• Infections (fever, sore throat, cough)
• Tingling or pain in hands or feet

Common:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Low white blood cells
• Mild increase in blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss
• Dry skin, itching