Leflunomide for inflammatory arthritis?

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!

I was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis (based on my inflammatory markers) about 4 years ago by a wonderful rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester (a rheumatologist at a different clinic didn’t do sufficient testing a diagnosed me with fibromyalgia). My doctor at Mayo prescribed a high level of Prednisone (20 mg) initially with a slow reduction. He also prescribed hydroxychloroquine which made me feel really out of it. He switched me to leflunomide and I felt much better. I eventually ended up on a maintenance dose of 5mg prednisone and 20mg leflunomide and feel great. I recently had a full knee replacement which flared up my symptoms, but I’m working on getting it back under control by increasing the prednisone and slowly tapering back to 5 mg. It’s important to take the medications with food. I take mine with yogurt.

I have my liver tested every 6 months and it seems to be fine. I've cut out alcohol almost completely and I try to be aware of any other drugs that may also affect my liver and avoid them if possible.