Leflunomide Information
Leflunomide is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation).
Leflunomide affects the immune system and reduces swelling and inflammation in the body. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses, this drug may also be used to prevent rejection of organ transplant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Leflunomide is a drug to control your arthritis. Arava is a Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug. It has been shown to work well in 50% of patients. It does not relieve pain immediately, but will decrease inflammation slowly, taking six to twelve weeks to achieve its effect. Therefore it is important to continue any pain relief or anti-inflammatory tablets you may be taking.
Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor belonging to the DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) class of drugs, which are chemically and pharmacologically very heterogeneous. The chemical name for Leflunomide is N-(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide. The substance is sold under the brand name Arava® by Aventis.
As a prodrug, leflunomide is converted to an active metabolite, A77 1726, which blocks dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, thereby preventing the expansion of activated T lymphocytes. This agent also inhibits various protein tyrosine kinases, such as protein kinase C (PKC), thereby inhibiting cell proliferation. (NCI04)
Leflunomide is available for oral administration as tablets containing 10 or 20 mg of active drug. Combined with Leflunomide are the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, and talc.