S.J & G. Fazal Ellahie
Cara Tablets 20Mg
Cara Tablets 20Mg
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SPECIFICATION
Requires Prescription (YES/NO)
Yes
Generics
Leflunomide
Used For
Rheumatoid Arthritis
How it works
Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that may exert its effects by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which plays a key role in the de novo synthesis of the pyrimidine ribonucleotide uridine monophosphate (rUMP).
USAGE AND SAFETY
Dosage
Leflunomide
Side Effects
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) : A slight decrease in the number of white blood cells (leucopenia), - mild allergic reactions, - loss of appetite, weight loss (usually insignificant), - tiredness (asthenia), - headache, dizziness, - abnormal skin sensations like tingling (paraesthesia), - mild increase in blood pressure, - colitis, - diarrhoea, - nausea, vomiting, - inflammation of the mouth or mouth ulcers, - abdominal pain. Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) : A decrease in the number of red blood cells (anaemia) and a decrease in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), - a decrease in the levels of potassium in the blood, - anxiety, - taste disturbances, - urticaria (nettle rash), - tendon rupture, - an increase in the levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol and triglycerides), - a decrease in the levels of phosphate in the blood.Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) : An increase in the numbers of blood cells called eosinophiles (eosinophilia); mild decrease in the number of white blood cells (leucopenia); decrease in the number of all blood cells (pancytopenia), - severe increase in blood pressure, - inflammation of the lung (interstitial lung disease), - an increase in some liver results which may develop into serious conditions such as hepatitis and jaundice.
Drug Interactions
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, intramuscular or oral gold, D-penicillamine, azathioprine and other immunosuppressive medicines (e.g. methotrexate ) , warfarin , teriflunomide , repaglinide, pioglitazone, nateglinide, or rosiglitazone , daunorubicin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, or topotecan , duloxetine , alosetron , theophylline , tizanidine , oral contraceptives (containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) , cefaclor, benzylpenicillin , indomethacin, ketoprofen , furosemide , zidovudine , rosuvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin , sulfasalazine.
Indication
It is used to treat adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis or with active psoriatic arthritis.
When not to Use
Do not take leflunomide : - If you have ever had an allergic reaction to leflunomide (especially a serious skin reaction, often accompanied by fever, joint pain, red skin stains, or blisters e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome)or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine , or if you are allergic to teriflunomide (used to treat multiple sclerosis),- If you have any liver problems,- If you have moderate to severe kidney problems .
PRECAUTIONS
Precaution
Your doctor will carry out blood tests at regular intervals, before and during treatment with Leflunomide, to monitor your blood cells and liver. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure regularly as Leflunomide can cause an increase in blood pressure.
WARNINGS
Warning 1
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Leflunomide if you have ever suffered from inflammation of the lung (interstitial lung disease).
Warning 2
Advise patient to report signs of infections ; perform washout if infections are severe .
Warning 3
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Leflunomide if you have ever had tuberculosis or if you have been in close contact with someone who has or has had tuberculosis. Your doctor may performtests to see if you have tuberculosis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pregnancy category
Always consult your physician before using any medicine.
Storage (YES/NO)
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.