Featuring Dr. John Wade, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC

Leflunomide and Side Effects

The main uses include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (its primary approved use)
  • Sometimes Psoriatic arthritis, although this may depend on local treatment guidelines and physician judgment.
How it works

Leflunomide blocks an enzyme that immune cells need to multiply. This reduces the overactive immune response that causes joint inflammation and damage.

How it’s taken
  • Usually as a tablet once daily.
  • Some treatment plans begin with a higher “loading dose,” but many clinicians skip this to reduce side effects.

The main uses include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (its primary approved use)
  • Sometimes Psoriatic arthritis, although this may depend on local treatment guidelines and physician judgment.
How it works

Leflunomide blocks an enzyme that immune cells need to multiply. This reduces the overactive immune response that causes joint inflammation and damage.

How it’s taken
  • Usually as a tablet once daily.
  • Some treatment plans begin with a higher “loading dose,” but many clinicians skip this to reduce side effects.

Arthritic Nutrition: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS

The power of nutritional management with arthritic conditions.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about Arthritis - the health benefits of tomatoes

Dr. Maziar Badii, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Health benefits of Eggplant in relation to arthritis.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about the health benefits of Lettuce in relation to arthritis management.

Featuring Dr. Stefanie Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

Rheumatologist, and a Registered Dietician, and a Kinesiologist, talk about the health benefits of Beets in relation to arthritis management.

Featuring Dr. John Wade, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC

Stopping Leflunomide Educational Video

Arthritic Exercise: MINDS MUSCLE MEALS

Power of exercise in dealing with arthritic conditions.

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Walking

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Lateral Raise

Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Home Exercise Program - Plank

Featuring Dr. John Wade, MD, FRCPC Vancouver, BC

Treatment with Leflunomide Educational Video
Monitoring

People taking leflunomide usually have regular:

  • Liver function tests
  • Complete blood counts
  • Blood pressure checks
Drug interactions

Leflunomide may interact with:

  • Other medications that suppress the immune system.
  • Drugs that can affect the liver.
  • Some vaccines, especially live vaccines, which may not be recommended while taking it.