Leflunomide. Me

Leflunomide can interact with other medicines or substances, some of them can interfere with the work of this medicine or even neutralize the effect form leflunomide (like cholestyramine which is used to rapidly remove leflunomide from the body when it is necessary; otherwise, leflunomide can be found in your body for as long as 2 years after the treatment course). That is why I strongly recommend you to show your prescriber the full list of all the drugs, vitamins, herbal products and food supplements you are currently taking. Compile the full list in advance or you can miss something while talking to you doctor. Tell your health care provider about the peculiarities of your diet (e.g. if you drink alcohol or use heavily drinks containing caffeine). If you use illegal drugs or smoke, don’t conceal that from your doctor. Always consult with your doctor before you start taking any medicine.

The following medications may interact or interfere with the work of leflunomide:

- azathioprine
- cholestyramine (Cholybar, Questran)
- warfarin
- cyclosporine (or any other meds that interfere with the functioning of the immune system, e.g tacrolimus)
- tolbutamide (Orinase)
- some anti-inflammatory drugs
- sulfasalazine
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater).
- colestipol (Colestid)
- doxercalciferol
- fosphenytoin
- ramelteon
- felbamate (Felbatol)
- isoniazid
- mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex or any other meds affecting the liver)
- tolbutamide (Orinase)
- troglitazone (Rezulin or other diabetes meds)
- ketoconazole
- charcoal
- itraconazole
- phenytoin
- tacrine
- tegafur
- live virus vaccines (recently done or planned; leflunomide works by suppressesing hyperactivity of your immune system, that is why vaccination issue should always be discussed with your health care provider before taking leflunomide)

This list of medications interacting with leflunomide may be incomplete, that is why I’ll repeat: inform the doctor about the meds you are taking. And even if you are taking some of the drugs listed above, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should give them up or cannot benefit from leflunomide treatment. Do as your doctor prescribes.