Leflunomide Flashcards
1
Q
What type of drug is leflunomide and what is it used for?
A
DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis
2
Q
For how long should patients remain on contraceptives after stopping leflunomide due to its long half life?
A
at least 2 years after treatment in women and at least 3 months after treatment in men
otherwise teratogenic side effects may occur
3
Q
In what patients should leflunomide be used with caution?
A
pre-existing lung and liver disease
4
Q
Adverse effects of leflunomide
A
gastrointestinal, especially diarrhoea
hypertension
weight loss/anorexia
peripheral neuropathy
myelosuppression
pneumonitis
5
Q
Monitoring necessary when taking leflunomide
A
FBC/LFT and blood pressure
6
Q
During the prolonged washout period of leflunomide, what other medication should be administered?
A
cholestyramine
