Leflunomide

Key points

• Leflunomide is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) mainly used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. It has a very long half-life which should be remembered considering it's teratogenic potential.
• pregnancy - the BNF advises: 'Effective contraception essential during treatment and for at least 2 years after treatment in women and at least 3 months after treatment in men (plasma concentration monitoring required'
• caution should also be exercised with pre-existing lung and liver disease Adverse effects
• gastrointestinal, especially diarrhoea
• weight loss/anorexia