Leflunomide for inflammatory arthritis?

Posted by emm0284 @emm0284, Dec 1 9:32am

Has anyone tried leflunomide? My rheumatologist prescribed it for my inflammatory arthritis (no rheumatoid factor in my blood tests). I haven't taken it yet. The side effects look pretty scary. My joint pain hasn't progressed in a year, so I wonder if it would be overkill.

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Hi- yes,I was on leflunomide for over 4 years for primary Sjogrens and RA ( in addition to hydroxychloroquin,baclofen and Celebrex… have now changed to Low Dose Naltrexone for pain and to also try to avoid liver damage!) The main side effect I initially had with lefleunomide was hair loss ( most of it!), but found that by taking Biotin, my hair grew back thicker. I had to have liver enzyme tests every 3 months, but all was well. However, by year 4, my usually Low blood pressure, had risen considerably and by year 5 was 200/160 Resting ( heart rate 105 resting). I was also experiencing pericarditis for the 5th time, due to the Sjogrens, so I saw a new cardiologist ( mine had recently died) who took me off the leflunomide and prescribed charcoal capsules to help my body get rid of it ( it can stay in the system up to
two years) and Bisoprolol for the tacycardia. Within 2 weeks my BP and heart rate were normal!!
I’m still on the hydroxychloroquin(Plaquenil) daily and have to have regular eye exams for That, but… so far, so good!
Btw, if you Feel like your body has RA, but none of the tests confirm it, perhaps get tested for Sjogrens… AND cut out all sugar and caffeine… 😳🤯… I know, right?… for at least a week and see how your body feels! I switched to Monk Fruit sweetener and/or honey!) And keep researching Everything You Can about your symptoms; document symptoms daily; keep advocating for Yourself!!
Best wishes to you as you navigate your new world of a (probable!)Autoimmune Disease!! Glad you found this site- it’s been helpful to hear from others!

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