Lefumide

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which several issues around the joints of the body develop. Lefumide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and help you move better. The active ingredient in the Lefumide is Leflunomide.

The main purpose for which Lefumide is prescribed is to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps in improving physical functioning by reducing joint damage. Leflunomide works by affecting the immune system and thereby reducing inflammation and swelling in the body.

Do not take the drug if you: are allergic to the main ingredient Leflunomide or any other ingredient of Lefumide; are pregnant or planning to be pregnant soon; are breast feeding your baby unless prescribed by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you: have liver disease or hepatitis, have kidney disease, have nerve problems such as neuropathy, have a severe infection, have a history of tuberculosis, have a bone marrow disorder or weak immune system.

The recommended dose depends on several factors such as your age, weight, severity of conditions, drug interaction etc. The dose is prescribed after examining you thoroughly. Generally 10 mg is prescribed initially for the first three days and then the dose is subsequently increased to 20 mg. If there is any side effect that is noticed after the dose is increased then the dose is again reduced to 10 mg.It may take up to four weeks of therapy before any improvement of arthritis can be noticed. 

Lefumide can be taken with or without food mostly once a day or as per the instruction of the doctor. It is to be taken with the help of water. Lefumide is to be taken for the prescribed period to get the maximum benefit and should not be stopped mid way. After the treatment is over, a different medicine may be given so as to help remove leflunomide from your body without which the drug may stay in your body for almost 2 years.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, diarrhoea, easy bruising or bleeding, jaundice or dark urine. You must get in touch with your doctor if such side effects because of overdose persist for long. In case of miss dose take the dose immediately upon remembering. However, do not double dose to make up the mixed dose.

Common side effects may include: diarrhoea, abnormal liver function tests, nausea, upset stomach, headache, thinning hair, cold symptoms such as sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing, rash.