I have been taking leflunomide for about 8 weeks and lately I feel very itchy. No rash as such but my skin feels rougher than usual on my face, chest and wrists. Has anyone else found this? I will mention it to rheumatologist when I see him again in a couple of months. I just seem to be scratching a lot!
The Arthritis Research website gives details about Leflunomide. It says: "
"The most common side-effects of leflunomide are:
nausea (feeling sick)
diarrhoea
mouth ulcers
weight loss
stomach pain
headaches
dizziness
weakness
dry skin
rashes
hair loss (this is rare and usually minor)."
Sometimes these side effects settle down after a time, but mention it to your consultant. I've taken Leflunomide for about 7 years now, just been increased to 20mg.
Thanks for that. I'm just on 10mg right now but it's not doing anything so far. I was on methotrexate but for some reason I decided to stop all treatment last Christmas... but saw sense in the end! All the best. Sannie
I too took Methotrexate, 25ml injections. Leflunomide was added as a top up. I had to stop MTX in January 2013 because I got cancer and needed chemotherapy, so stopped reluctantly. I'm waiting to see if my oncologist says it's safe for me to go back on it again, or I will have to have something else with Leflunomide. My rheumy said that 10mg by itself wasn't doing anything for me, so increased it to 20mg and added in 40mg Prednisolone too. But I can't wait to start either another DMARD or a biologic.
I hope you soon get the all clear poemsgalore55. Thanks for replying. I wish you all the best. Love from Itchy