First, a quick description from Wikipedia: "Leflunomide (original brand name Arava) is an immunosuppressive disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD),[2] used in active moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.[3]" I have recently been diagnosed with Large Vessel Vasculitis (LVV). A week ago my rheumatologist started me on 10mg, once a day. After one week, I experienced the following side effects: multiple night sweats, extreme agitation & anxiety, tremor & involuntary limb movement, confusion & brain fog & a general feeling of being very unwell. After contacting the rheumatologist, I have stopped taking the medication. The side effects persist, but are gradually receding. Leflunomide can remain in your system for anywhere between 1 to 4 weeks. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has had a similar reaction to this drug & also, anyone for whom Leflunomide has proved to be effective, without intolerable side effects. Nigel Paterson.
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