Lefra 20 Tablet

LEFRA 20 TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: LEFRA 20 Tablet
• Common Name: Leflunomide

Composition: Each LEFRA 20 Tablet contains 20mg of Leflunomide as the active ingredient.

Uses: LEFRA 20 Tablet is prescribed for adults to treat active moderate-to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis. It works by suppressing the immune system to reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness in the joints, thereby slowing down the progression of the disease and improving joint flexibility and function.

Dosage and Administration: LEFRA 20 Tablet should be taken orally, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dose is one tablet per day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for maximum benefit. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it. It may take 6-8 weeks for the medicine to start working, and up to 4-6 months to feel its full effect. Continue taking the medication as advised by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.

Side Effects: Common side effects of LEFRA 20 Tablet may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Increased liver enzymes
• Dyspepsia (indigestion/upset stomach)
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Dizziness

Serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the lungs)
• Increased risk of infection
• Liver damage

Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: LEFRA 20 Tablet is highly unsafe and not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the developing baby. It is also probably unsafe for breastfeeding mothers as it may pass into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking LEFRA 20 Tablet, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. It is probably unsafe and should be avoided in patients with liver disease due to the increased risk of liver damage. Regular blood tests may be recommended to monitor liver function.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or decrease alertness; therefore, caution is advised when driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Infections: LEFRA 20 Tablet may increase the risk of infection. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of infection, sore throat, or breathlessness.
• Vaccination: Live vaccines are not recommended during treatment with LEFRA 20 Tablet.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as LEFRA 20 Tablet can interact with certain medications like warfarin, methotrexate, and activated charcoal.
• Children: LEFRA 20 Tablet is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.

Storage: Store LEFRA 20 Tablet in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

What is LEFRA 20 TABLET used for?

LEFRA 20 TABLET is primarily used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in adults. It helps alleviate pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and slows down the progression of these autoimmune diseases, improving overall quality of life and making daily activities easier.

How does LEFRA 20 TABLET work?

LEFRA 20 TABLET contains the active ingredient Leflunomide, which is an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent. It works by suppressing the overactive immune system by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers responsible for inflammation, swelling, and redness. Specifically, it inhibits an important enzyme for de novo pyrimidine synthesis, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which then blocks the growth of activated T-lymphocytes. This helps reduce excessive immune cell activity and prevents further joint damage.

What is the usual dosage for LEFRA 20 TABLET?

The usual dose of LEFRA 20 TABLET is one tablet (20 mg) per day, or as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistent results and maximum benefit. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet; swallow it whole with water.

What are the possible side effects of LEFRA 20 TABLET?

Common side effects of LEFRA 20 TABLET can include nausea, headache, rash, diarrhea, increased liver enzymes, dyspepsia (indigestion), loss of appetite, hair loss, and weight loss. Some individuals may also experience dizziness or bronchitis. Most of these side effects are typically mild and resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is LEFRA 20 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, LEFRA 20 TABLET is considered highly unsafe and is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause significant harm to the developing baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medication. It is also probably unsafe during breastfeeding, as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby. It is crucial to consult your doctor for advice if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can LEFRA 20 TABLET be taken with other medications?

LEFRA 20 TABLET can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Interactions may occur with:

• Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), which can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Live vaccines (e.g., MMR, varicella), as LEFRA 20 TABLET may make some vaccines less effective and live vaccines are generally not recommended during treatment.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine), which can increase the risk of serious side effects like bone marrow suppression and liver damage.
• Cholestyramine or activated charcoal are not recommended for concomitant use.

What precautions should be taken with LEFRA 20 TABLET?

Several precautions should be observed while taking LEFRA 20 TABLET:

• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol, as it can significantly increase the risk of liver damage when combined with LEFRA 20 TABLET.
• Liver and Kidney Issues: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease or kidney problems, as dose adjustments or avoiding the medication may be necessary.
• Infections: LEFRA 20 TABLET can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Report any signs of infection, sore throat, or breathlessness to your doctor immediately. Avoid close contact with people who have colds, flu, or other contagious illnesses.
• Blood Tests: Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests (e.g., every 4 weeks) to monitor liver function and blood counts.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: LEFRA 20 TABLET may cause dizziness or affect vision, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms.
• Allergies: Do not take LEFRA 20 TABLET if you are allergic to leflunomide or any of its components.
• Children: This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose of LEFRA 20 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of LEFRA 20 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing routine. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should LEFRA 20 TABLET be stored?

LEFRA 20 TABLET should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it in its original packaging and out of sight and reach of children and pets. It should generally be stored below 25°C or below 30°C.