Does Leflunomide affect fertility or pregnancy?

Leflunomide may cause serious birth defects. Do not take Leflunomide if you are planning to conceive, during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. It is necessary for men and women to use contraception while on National University Hospital Leflunomide.. The drug may remain in the body for up to two years after the last dose. Women Medication Information must not become pregnant and men must not 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074 for Patients father children within two years of stopping Website: www.nuh.com.sg Leflunomide; unless medicine is given to get rid LEFLUNOMIDE of it from your body system (consult your doctor). Company Registration No. 198500843R You must not take Leflunomide unless you are on reliable contraception.

Pharmacy (Main Building): 6772 5181/5182 Can I have immunisations while on Pharmacy (Kent Ridge Wing): 6772 5184 Leflunomide? Pharmacy (NUH Medical Centre): 6772 8205

Pneumococcal, influenza, hepatitis A and B, tetanus vaccinations are allowed.

Avoid immunisations with live vaccines such as polio, varicella (chicken pox), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). The information provided in this publication is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment or if you have any questions related to your health, physical fitness or medical conditions. Information is correct at time of printing and subject to revision without prior Are there any alternatives to Leflunomide? notice.

Copyright 2014.NationalUniversityHospital Your doctor will advise on the safest and most All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission in writing from the effective option. If you have any concerns, do NationalUniversityHospital. raise them with your doctor.

Why am I being prescribed Leflunomide? What are the possible risks associated with Do I have to do any blood tests while on Leflunomide? Leflunomide? Leflunomide is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis where the body’s Leflunomide may occasionally cause low blood immune system (defence system) attacks its own Warning counts and liver inflammation. These are usually Side effects Things you need to do tissues. Leflunomide works by modifying the signs reversible if detected early. It is not safe to immune system and reduces the inflammation Headache, giddiness Inform your doctor continue Leflunomide if you do not come for regular blood checks. that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the Inform your doctor; if Feeling sick, nausea, vomiting, joints. persistent, your doctor abdominal (stomach) pain, may change your Should I avoid any medication while on mouth ulcers, diarrhoea medication Leflunomide? When do I take Leflunomide? Dropping of hair, dry skin, If persistent, inform rashes or eczema your doctor. Generally, you should show your doctor or Leflunomide is taken either once a day or once a Inform your doctor. You pharmacist all other medications you are taking or week on the same day, depending on the dose. It may need to start a Rise in blood pressure plan to take, including supplements and over the can be taken with or without food. blood pressure lowering counter medications. medications

Easy bruising, What dose do I take? severe sore Low blood May I drink alcohol while taking Leflunomide? throat, Do regular blood count count monitoring as advised Leflunomide comes in strengths of 20mg and tiredness, Alcohol intake should be restricted to one unit per 100mg. Your doctor will prescribe the most paleness day as the combination of alcohol and appropriate dosage for you. Yellow eyes, Leflunomide may increase the risk of liver tea coloured Inform your doctor if problems. One unit is equivalent to a can of beer

Liver urine, you have a history of (300ml) or a glass of wine (120ml) or a single When does Leflunomide work? inflammation constant liver disease. Do regular abdominal liver function tests. shot of whisky (30ml). The effects of Leflunomide will not be visible pain immediately. It may take four to six weeks after Avoid close contact with What if I miss a dose? people with coughs / e.g. herpes starting leflunomide to experience an Risk of colds. If you miss a dose or forget to take your zoster improvement in joint pain or swelling. Complete infections Please discuss any medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If you (Shingles) benefits may only be experienced six months planned vaccinations take Leflunomide once a week, adjust the timing with your doctor after starting the medication. of your next dose to be one week from the current

Please seek medical attention if you experience any of the above dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip symptoms. How should I store Leflonomide? the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the next dose to make The tablets should be stored at room up for the missed dose. temperature. Keep out of reach from children.