Anyone change from methotrexate to leflunamide? Side effects?

Posted by lgreg @lgreg, Mar 27 9:41am

Anyone change from methotrexate to leflunamide? Side effects?

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Hi. A few years ago, I stopped methotrexate after one month as it elevated my liver levels & switched to leflunomide and have had no issues. As far as fatigue, I would have been hard pressed to say for sure if it was the methotrexate was the primary fatigue culprit or if it was that coupled with diagnoses and other meds. Leflunomide has less side effects than methotrexate, and my opinion is that it should NOT be a first line, gold standard medication…. It was poison for me and many others in my circle. Leflunomide does take a little while to start working for you to feel the benefit. Also, I take it in the morning The best to you.

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Profile picture for bshiver @bshiver

Hi. A few years ago, I stopped methotrexate after one month as it elevated my liver levels & switched to leflunomide and have had no issues. As far as fatigue, I would have been hard pressed to say for sure if it was the methotrexate was the primary fatigue culprit or if it was that coupled with diagnoses and other meds. Leflunomide has less side effects than methotrexate, and my opinion is that it should NOT be a first line, gold standard medication…. It was poison for me and many others in my circle. Leflunomide does take a little while to start working for you to feel the benefit. Also, I take it in the morning The best to you.

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@bshiver Thank you, great information!!!

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I have started methotrexate about a month ago and it has been a life saver for me. I am tired for a day after I take my weekly dose but then I feel amazing the rest of the time. Only thing I have been prescribed that has been helpful so far.

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Profile picture for lgreg @lgreg

@kmacky thank you! I am going to start leflunamide tomorrow.

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@lgreg
Good luck with it!👍🏻

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Profile picture for dainamerritt @dainamerritt

I have started methotrexate about a month ago and it has been a life saver for me. I am tired for a day after I take my weekly dose but then I feel amazing the rest of the time. Only thing I have been prescribed that has been helpful so far.

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@dainamerritt Good for you. I never had a side effect t with it other than the fatigue. I took it for 2 years and 1 leucovorin the day after which helped with nausea. I got the 1 bad day as well. Thank you

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