Leflunomide

CLINICAL USE

Disease modifying agent:Active rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis: 100 mg daily for 3 days then

  • 10 to 20     : mg dailyPsoriatic arthritis: 100 mg daily for 3 days then 20 mg daily

    PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight                           :270.2
  • %Protein binding                           :>99
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine     : 0
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg)       :11 litres
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)      :2 weeks (metabolite)/Unchanged

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

  • 20 to 50     : Dose as in normal renal function
  • 10 to 20     : Use with caution.
  • <10           : Use with caution.

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD                :Not dialysed. Use with caution
  • HD                     :Not dialysed. Use with caution
  • HDF/high flux   :Not dialysed. Use with caution
  • CAV/VVHD      :Not dialysed. Use with caution

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsHepatotoxic or haemotoxic drugs: increased risk of toxicityLipid-lowering agents: effect significantly reduced by colestyramineLive vaccines: avoid concomitant use

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

    Route

    Oral

    Rate of Administration

    Comments

    Administer with food

    OTHER INFORMATION

  • Contraindicated by manufacturer due to insufficient evidenceUS licence says it can be used in renal impairment with cautionProtein binding is variable in CKD In haemodialysis and PD the free fraction of the active metabolite in plasma is doubled
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