INTRODUCTION ABOUT LEFNO 20MG TABLET

LEFNO 20MG TABLET contains Leflunomide which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-rheumatics. It is indicated in adults for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune chronic inflammatory disorder which affects many joints including those in the hands and feet. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, swelling, difficulty moving and pain, loss of appetite, fever, loss of energy and anaemia (lack of red blood cells).

LEFNO 20MG TABLET is also used in adults to manage active psoriatic arthritis. Active psoriatic arthritis refers to a condition where psoriasis, a skin condition is present along with arthritis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, swelling, difficulty in moving, pain and patches of red and scaly skin (skin lesions).

Before starting management with LEFNO 20MG TABLET, your doctor might ask you to take a few blood tests to understand the existing condition and to use this medicine safely.  

LEFNO 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients having liver or moderate to severe kidney disease, any problem which affects the immune system (like AIDS), bone marrow problems, serious infections, severely low levels of proteins in the blood (hypoproteinaemia) and reduced levels of white or red blood cells and platelet count.

LEFNO 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have interstitial lung disease, tuberculosis and if you are a male who wishes to father a child and chronic diarrhoea. Avoid consumption of alcohol during management with this medicine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.

LEFNO 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women or women who become pregnant during management with this medicine and it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. LEFNO 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).

The most common side effects of taking LEFNO 20MG TABLET are loss of appetite, tiredness, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the mouth or mouth ulcers, abdominal pain and increased hair loss. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF LEFNO 20MG TABLET

Manages,

• active rheumatoid arthritis
• active psoriatic arthritis

HOW LEFNO 20MG TABLET WORKS

LEFNO 20MG TABLET acts by inhibiting an enzyme which results in stopping the activated and autoimmune white blood cells. This inhibition leads to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, reducing inflammation due to arthritis.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take LEFNO 20MG TABLET as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LEFNO 20MG TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Diarrhoea:

Drink lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to manage diarrhoea and consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller meals more frequently. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.

Headache:

Drink ample amount of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Apply pain relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Loss of appetite:

Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruits and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug – Drug Interactions:

Before taking LEFNO 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis (Ex. sulfasalazine), antimalarials (Ex. chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine), intramuscular or oral gold, D-penicillamine
• medicines used as immunosuppressants (Ex. azathioprine, methotrexate)
• medicines used as blood thinners (Ex. warfarin)
• medicines used to manage multiple sclerosis (Ex. teriflunomide)
• medicines used for the management of diabetes (repaglinide, pioglitazone, nateglinide, rosiglitazone)
• medicines used in the management of cancer (daunorubicin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, topotecan)
• medicine used for depression, urinary incontinence or in kidney disease in diabetics (Ex. duloxetine)
• medicines used for the management of severe diarrhoea (Ex alosetron)
• medicines used to manage asthma (Ex. theophylline)
• medicines used as a muscle relaxant (Ex. tizanidine)
• oral contraceptives (Ex. ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel)
• medicines used for infections (Ex. cefaclor, benzylpenicillin (penicillin G), ciprofloxacin)
• medicines used for the management of pain or inflammation (Ex. indomethacin, ketoprofen)
• diuretics for heart disease (Ex. furosemide)
• medicines used in the management of HIV infection (Ex. zidovudine)
• medicines used in the management of high cholesterol (Ex. rosuvastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, colestyramine, pravastatin)
• activated charcoal (used to manage certain kinds of poisoning)
• vaccinations

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of LEFNO 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

•  Keep LEFNO 20MG TABLET out of reach of children
• Store the medicine at room temperature