Leflunomide: Quick Guide to Uses, Dosage & Safe Buying

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, chances are your doctor mentioned leflunomide. It’s a pill that slows down the immune system so joints don’t get hammered by inflammation. In simple terms, it helps keep pain and swelling under control without needing daily injections.

What makes leflunomide different from other arthritis drugs is its focus on blocking an enzyme called DHODH. That enzyme is needed for certain white blood cells to multiply. By cutting the supply line, leflunomide reduces the attack on joint tissue. The result? Less stiffness, more movement, and fewer flare‑ups.

How Leflunomide Works and Who Needs It

Most adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis find relief with leflunomide when other meds don’t cut it. It’s also used for psoriatic arthritis and sometimes for juvenile idiopathic arthritis under specialist care.

The drug isn’t a painkiller, so you won’t feel instant relief after the first dose. Instead, it builds up in your system over weeks. Expect to notice improvement anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how your body reacts.

People with liver problems or severe kidney issues should avoid leflunomide unless a doctor says otherwise. If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, this medication is off‑limits because it can harm the baby.

Dosage Tips, Side Effects & When to Talk to a Doctor

The usual starting dose is 100 mg taken once daily for about three weeks. After that, doctors typically drop it down to 20 mg daily for maintenance. Some patients stay on the low dose forever; others may need occasional adjustments.

Take leflunomide with food or a glass of milk if your stomach feels uneasy. Swallow the tablet whole—don’t crush or chew it, as that can change how quickly it’s absorbed.

Common side effects include mild nausea, headache, and tiredness. A small number of people get liver enzyme elevations, so regular blood tests are a must during the first few months.

If you notice dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, or an unexplained fever, call your doctor right away. Those could be signs of a serious reaction.

Because leflunomide sticks around in the body for weeks after you stop taking it, doctors sometimes give a “washout” pill called cholestyramine if they need to clear the drug quickly—like before surgery or pregnancy.

Now, about buying it online. A reputable pharmacy will ask for a valid prescription and verify your doctor’s details. Look for sites that display a UK or EU license number, use secure HTTPS connections, and offer discreet packaging.

Avoid any shop that promises “no prescription needed” or offers the drug at unbelievably low prices. Those are usually fake or unsafe products. If you’re unsure, check reviews from verified buyers or ask your pharmacist for trusted online options.

In summary, leflunomide can be a solid part of an arthritis treatment plan if you follow dosing rules, keep up with lab tests, and source it from a legit pharmacy. Talk to your doctor about any concerns—especially if you have liver issues or are planning a pregnancy.