All medications
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Leflunomide
Brand names: Arava
An oral DMARD that slows the immune cells driving rheumatoid arthritis.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, alone or with methotrexate.
How it works
It blocks an enzyme that activated immune cells need to multiply.
How it’s taken
A tablet once a day. Benefits build over 4 to 8 weeks.
Side effects
Diarrhea, nausea, hair thinning, raised blood pressure and liver enzyme rises. Rarely, lung or nerve problems.
Monitoring
Liver tests and blood counts monthly at first, then every 2 to 3 months, plus blood pressure checks.
Good to know
Leflunomide stays in the body for a long time. It must be stopped and washed out with cholestyramine before trying to conceive.
At a glance
Class
Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants
Brand names
Arava
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.