Leflunomide

Introduction to Leflunomide in Veterinary Medicine

Leflunomide is an immunosuppressant medication used primarily in the treatment of autoimmune conditions in animals. It is often prescribed alongside prednisone to enhance symptom control and potentially reduce the necessary dosage of prednisone. It may take up to a month to assess the effectiveness of leflunomide for your pet.

This medication is typically administered once daily and can be given with or without food. However, if your pet experiences nausea after taking leflunomide, it is advisable to administer subsequent doses with food to mitigate this issue.

Skeletal formula of Leflunomide

Managing Missed doses

If you miss a dose of Leflunomide and there are more than 6 hours until the next scheduled dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. If less than 6 hours remain until the next dose, or it is time for the next dose, skip the missed one entirely and continue with the regular dosing schedule.

Special Precautions

Individuals who are pregnant or attempting to conceive should avoid handling this medication due to potential risks.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects are often dose-related, so please contact your veterinary team if you have concerns. Reported side effects include:

Diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
Lethargy.
Decreased levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
Elevated cholesterol or liver enzymes. Your veterinary team will advise if these changes require medication adjustments.

Monitoring and lab work

Given that pets on Leflunomide typically have serious medical conditions, frequent veterinary check-ups are crucial. It is recommended that your pet be seen at least once a month initially. Additionally, liver values should be monitored every 3 months through laboratory tests. Occasionally, drug level testing may be conducted to refine dosing recommendations.