Working Principle of Leflunomide
Leflunomide (brand name: Arava) is prescribed to adult patients suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is caused by immoderate activity of the immune system. Excess immune cells circulating in the body attack your joints and cause damage associated with swelling, inflammation, joint pain and stiffness. The major working principle of leflunomide is based on blocking the unwanted activity of the body’s immune system and reducing production of immune cells. When properly taken, leflunomide produces double effect: relieves the symptoms and slows down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
In scientific terms, after absorption leflunomide transforms into an active metabolite which inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (involved in pyrimidine synthesis) which prevents the proliferation of active T-cells in the body.
The beneficial effect of leflunomide and relieve from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are not experienced immediately. As a rule, it takes from 4 to12 weeks to feel the improvement from leflunomide and sometimes up to 6 months to achieve the full effect. Remember that leflunomide interacts with your immune system; always consult with your doctor before taking this medicine!