Leflunomide User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Foxy_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed a year ago in December. I started on Methotrexate (initially supplemented with prednisone). This combination worked well- I regained almost full ROM and most pain was gone. After 5 months on this, I developed constant daily nausea, vomiting, then dizziness, mouth sores, tinnitus (which I still have 4 months after discontinuing the drug), and liver damage. I went off this, fought with my ins. company for 4 months, and finally went on Leflunomide 2 weeks ago. In the last 2 days, I have now developed even more severe mouth ulcers, nausea, vomiting, chills and flu symptoms, and am becoming increasingly dizzy as the days progress. I stopped taking this yesterday. The pain of RA is severe, but the treatment has been so much worse"

• Lisa
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took this medication for just under 3 months. It seemed to helped a little the first month but not much. I had some serious side effects and went off the medication: Short of breath when going up a flight of stairs to the point I could not talk, high blood pressure (200/100) and needed to go on medications, muscle spasms and weakness to the point I could not stand long enough to load my dishwasher due to back pain/spasms, burning nerve pain in my arms and legs which could paralyze me in pain: especially upon getting up after sitting, easy bruising: had very dark bruises all over but the worst was spontaneously getting a small hematoma on buttocks which caused sciatica and I had to get shots... that happened twice. I went off and noticed a significant difference in a couple of days and the pain and other symptoms subsided but is far from gone."

• Miche...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2021

Arava (leflunomide) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had taken medication for approximately 10 days. A week into it I experienced severe weakness, high blood pressure, dizziness, and numbness/tingling to the right side of my face. After a few hours it passed. Then 5 days later my BP was stroke high, I couldn't walk, and my head felt like it was going to pop. I was hospitalized for symptoms. They said it's just a migraine! Not!!! Finally the Doctor listened and gave me medication to get it out of my system."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 7, 2015

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I've been on Leflunomide for over two years and I tolerate it well unlike Methotrexate. Good control of inflammation and pain and blood work is ok. Doesn't seem to interfere with my ability to fight a cold or heal a wound."

• Angler
• December 9, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This not about me but my husband. He is fighting for his life in ICU. He started Leflunomide in July 2020 on a dose of 10mg which was increased to 20mg after a month. At the end of August 2020 he started having violent diarrhoea, we questioned it with his nurses and were told as he'd been ok for the first weeks " It wasn't the drug causing his problems". So GP organised bowel cancer check and colonoscopy which proved negative. Then he started coughing on Nov 9th 2020. Checked for Covid, negative. A&E on 22nd Nov, out with strong antibiotics, then ambulance call at 6 am on 26 Nov, in hospital on oxygen which didn't help. He was transferred to ICU on 1 December and Ventilated on 6th Dec. They started the "washout" last week. Still a few days to go. We are praying it will work. My warning to everyone Do Not Take Leflunomide it is dangerous."

• Maggy
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 6, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am 66 yrs and was treated Methotrexate 15 mg weekly and folic acid daily, and intermittent steroids but a year later joints started again on this treatment. Doc added Leflunomide 20mg daily (which worked in 2 weeks) and I've been on it for 18+ months. My bloods were normal 2 months ago. Have to keep an eye on my blood pressure. Both Metrotrexate and Leflunamide cause a loose bowel which I put up with . I am taking 2 tabs of folic acid i.e. 10 mg daily as it seems to be better for dry mouth and skin. Sometimes I take 5 mg prednisone for a few days when I've got finger etc swelling from overdoing things. I tried a break from the leflunamide (continuing methotrexate ) ,and noticed joint symptoms returning in a week. I am satisfied with this treatment and am in remission ."

• Kristi
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2018

Arava (leflunomide) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "One year on Arava so far. Has greatly improved joint pain, the side effects I have noticed are some skin lesions, thinning eyebrows, migraine headache increase, also elevated liver enzymes. It has given me back movement which is important for over all health. I will take the side effects compared to ruined joints for now. I did have liver enzymes normal a week after steroid shop for bad headache, I would think the medication could reduce swelling in liver?."

• Angler
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Following on from my previous post I have to report my husband lost his fight for his life. He passed away on 16 th Dec 2020. I cannot prove that Leflunomide was the cause but it certainly contributed to it. Yes we found out his COPD had got worse but the escalation of his deterioration was alarming and I can only point to one thing Leflunomide. I urge all RA sufferers to think and think again before taking it especially if you have COPD, and are taking METHOTREXATE, and were or are a smoker. This is a dangerous drug be very very cautious."

• rocky
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 29, 2020

Arava (leflunomide) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have been using Arava and Methotrexate for many years now doe RA. I take a Folic acid tablet with it, it has been very helpful and I have had no side effects. I seem to have had a flare up recently and not sure if it was from moving and doing a lot of the packing and unpacking . Trying Prednisone now , to see if it helps with the pain . If not my doctor wants to try Xeljanz XR .Not sure I want that , anyone out there with any help ?"

• Diano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 8, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was taking it for 8 months and I started having a funny feeling in my arms about 4 months in which I reported but Dr did not think it was a concern. Over the next 3 months I started to have more weakness in my arms and then what I would describe as internal internal vibrations. I have just stopped taking the drug and hope the vibration stop before too long."

• Anonymous
• December 16, 2021

Arava (leflunomide) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Caused stomach upset, worse the first two weeks and then slowly subsided. It really did help with pain. However, I was only on it about two months and lost substantial amount of hair. As a middle age woman, thinning hair is another issue to deal with as you face all the challenges of ageing, and this was really a disappointment because I’m in question if my hair will grow back now that I’ve stopped the medication. It also gave me mouth sores and some acne, which otherwise I have always had clear skin. Pain relief vs. hair? It’s awful that we have to find out if that will be the effect the drug will have on each individual for its effects are different for all. But personally I can’t handle this amount of hair loss, maybe a little hair loss I could have tolerated, but not at this level."

• Elsie
• March 30, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "OMG... finally a drug that works. My hair is not as thin as it was on methotrexate and my body is back to feeling 30 again. Even though I’ve had this god awful depressive disease since I was 23. I’m in my forties and have felt like an invalid for as long as I can remember. Then after 8 weeks of this drug, I can run, dance, actually open a jar and button my own shirts. I feel so happy. I am a very healthy eater as I have had IBS for years as a result of the disease so my liver function is good. My blood count was low so I had to up it with low dose prednisone but it is so much better than having too high white blood count which makes you so sore, inflamed and the brain fog was so life sucking. I couldn’t understand how I could eat so well, walk, swim and still feel so horrible. Turns out this miracle drug can make you feel human. I did a strict detox before starting on this drug so I could start my body with a clean slate. The Rheumatologist doesn’t tell you this."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I found that after taking this medication for 12 months if helped with the arthritis but unbeknown to all of us were the silent side effects my experience was awful. Suddenly broke out with skin ulcers that hurt badly and act like burn blisters on your hands and feet."

• linda
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on leflunomide for about 16 years. It has kept me from having crippling side effects as seen in some RA patients. I am getting older (79) and am getting a few issues and just concerned about someone my age taking this drug. It has been wonderful for me as my blood work has always been good with just a few small issues."

• 70kal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took Lefluomide for 5 weeks & I have broken out in the most awful rash you could image. My forearms are red as fire. I broke out with the rash under my arms but it has not slowed down. I stopped taking the meds 5 days ago and the rash on my arms is still terrible. I do not know how long it will take for the medication to get out of my system. I just know this is the most awful rash I have ever had."

• Janin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been in Arava 20mg a day for ten years for my Mixed Tissue Connective Disease . I am pain free! It has made my blood pressure go up a bit, but medicine takes care of that. I also get heartburn from the medicine but Omeprazole takes care of that. All in all it is an amazing medicine that has given me back my quality of life."

• DrDMO
• March 23, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started this drug 6 weeks ago. Developed headache within days & a productive cough. 3 days ago, developed vomiting and severe headache, worse headache I have ever had in all 59 years of my life. Debilitating. Excruciating pain. Went to ER during episode. Nobody knew what to do. They told me my Dr's didn't call them back! I don't believe that. After giving me Ativan & morphine with zofran chaser. CT of head normal & blood work normal, the sent me.home. I can't get up without it coming back. Idk the med which was working, now I want the massive HA, migraine really, to go away!! I won't ever take thus drug again! Worse feeling next to MRSA in my bloodsrream, while on Remicade therapy back in 2008!!!"

• Central...
• January 14, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been using Leflunomide since July 2007. It took 3 months for it to become effective, but I have been pain free since then! Wonderful! BUT, I have developed chronic urinary tract infections -- 12 in the last two years. My urologist is exasperated and has about exhausted his bag of tricks; daily Macrodantin (antibiotic) for over a year helped for a few months at a time, but I'm now resistant to that. I only take 10 mg leflunomide and really hate to think of doing without it, but my bladder is important too. I'm going to ask the rheumatologist this week about cutting the dosage in half."

• Miser...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This was the worse medication I have ever taken in my life. I took it for 4 weeks when the violent vomiting and diarrhea began and lasted for 8 hours. Doc said stop taking it. Vomiting stopped, still have the diarrhea the next day. I have never in my life been so sick from a medication. Now we move onto Humira."

• hurty...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Leflunomide has been the only med that I am able to tolerate as I am the queen of side effects....if there is one to be had, I will have it. My first time on Leflunomide was at 20mg/day. After a few months the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were ridiculous and I had to stop. At that point I had lost about 15 pounds. After a couple of months off, I started again at 10 mg/day. It took 3 months to get to the extreme nausea and another 6-8 pounds off. I stopped about 2 weeks ago. I am able to eat now but nausea persists (not as severe). Since this seems to be the only drug I can handle, I will consider restarting yet again but need a breather first."

• laurieo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Worst experience in my life. The pain before I started this was at least bearable. Now I can barely move or walk and bruise very easily. And that was only after a couple of days of taking 1 10mg tablet per day. Doctor changed to one every other day and I have the same problem. Was taking this for psoriatic arthritis and calcium build up, but I can't bare the pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I went on this drug in November 2017 (.20mg), and the biggest side effect at first was diarrhea, which was tolerable. My skin cleared up 100% as well as any joint pain, and I thought I had found my miracle drug. But after 4-5 months I now have nausea, have lost 10 pounds, all I want to do is sleep, and I am emotionally in a very dark place. My rheumatologist doesn't think it's the Laflunomide, but I feel as badly as I did when I went on Methotrexate, (which I couldn't tolerate). The symptoms are the same. So I went off of the Laflunomide a week ago but still no relief from side affects. Does anyone know how long it takes for this drug to get out of one's system?"

• sweet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I took this eflunomide drug for my arthritis about 3 years ago. I only took it for 3 months. I stopped it myself after I noticed my hair falling out in clumps and I was becoming very short of breath. I have chronic bronchitis so I went to my pulmonary doctor. He told me I had something called interstitial pulmonary disorder. When I told the nurse practitioner at my arthritis doctor about it, she said that's why they used it because it had no side effects. I told her she needed to do more reading on the subject. I've been on meds for my COPD and so far I'm better in that respect, but my hair has not yet come back in. I'm very upset over it. I should never have taken that medication. It should be taken off the market."

• disney
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started Leflunomide on 12/8/17 (and it worked well for my RA). By 1/24/18 I had an intense itchy red rash all over my upper body and extreme dehydration in my mouth, making it almost impossible to talk clearly. I stopped Leflunomide on 1/27/18 and went to a dermatologist. Biopsies on the eruptions (red blotches that gradually turn into peeling skin) showed a form of eczema that was treated with a topical ointment. Today (3/11/18) the rash is still prevalent and now appears on my legs, with newer rashes on my hands and wrists. No idea how long this eczema will last but it's not pretty and is extremely itchy. Unfortunately, neither my rheumatologist, dermatologist nor my primary physician can explain the dehydration so I'm drinking about a gallon of water daily to alleviate the dryness in my mouth. I can see evidence of dehydration on my skin. I need to know how long these symptoms will last."

• Sniffer
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Been on Leflunomide for 3 months and still struggle badly with walking. Some weekends I just stay in bed as I find it difficult to get out of bed and when I'm out I walk round like a 90 year old man (I'm 45). My back and legs are covered with psoriasis. I started on 10mg every other day for two weeks then 10mg daily for a month and then 20mg till now. the doctor said he's going to keep me on it for 3 more months as it can take 6 months to work. If it doesn't work he's going to put me on Humira. I was on Methotexate for 9 years but in recent years it was making me feel really sick and had stop taking it."