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Has anyone tried the medication leflunomide?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: May 16 3:48pm | Replies (46)Comment receiving replies
I have been on Prednisone for 18 months for PMR, always trouble to decrease when below 7mg. Even with slow taper. Tried sulfasalazine last summer for 6 weeks but couldn't tolerate that accompanying lethargy, with no real decrease in pain.
I got down to 4mg of prednisone (from 20 mg one year before) in Dec 2023, but experienced the worst flareup to date. I increased back to 7mg (my most recent relief dose) and was started on leflunomide. I was concerned about the side effects also, but they have been minimal and now resolved, after 4 weeks. 2 weeks at 10mg and now taking 20mg (as per my rheumatologist) and I suddenly feel better than I have in 22 months. I'm hesitant to reduce my prednisone but I feel more confident and the most comfortable that I have yet to try again. I will taper slowly tho. I am fortunate as my rheumatologist is wonderful.
She was reluctant to try methotrexate, as I have, since all this started, had 3 skin SCC lesions excised.
I follow this link but am posting for the first time as I have not seen any other references to leflunomide, I hope this is helpful. We are all individual, but this has been a game changer for me.
Take care.
Replies to "I have been on Prednisone for 18 months for PMR, always trouble to decrease when below..."
I found your commment about Methotrexate and skin cancers interesting. It is a recognized adverse side effect of taking Mtx. I have only taken 4 doses of the wretched stuff, do not have a lot of sun exposure but live in Queensland Australia (sub tropical) and have noticed skin lesions popping up all over the place on my very fair skin.
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Thanks for your input. I was on Prednisone and Methotrexate and was able to finally get off Prednisone. What symptoms did you have? I have lost 25 pounds in a matter of a few weeks. I have finally stabilized at 115 pounds, which is worrisome if I lose anymore. Which weight loss is one of the symptoms. Also, I am prone to bronchitis and pneumonia which are also mentioned in the symptoms. Blood pressure is another symptom that goes against me. I actually feel real well with what I am on now. I go see my Rheumatologist tomorrow and will be asking why she is persistent for me to take the Leflunomide.