Lefra-20 Tablet

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets contains Leflunomide as its active ingredient. It is used for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is meant for use only in adult patients.

Use of this medicine in children and adolescents is not recommended. This medicine should not be taken by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It should be taken as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed.

It can be taken with or without food. Before using this medicine, inform the doctor about your detailed medical history.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may be stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, increased liver enzymes, anaemia, itching and rash. Seek medical attention in case you have consumed too much of Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets.

Missed a Dose

In case you’ve missed any dose of Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Leflunomide in Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets works by weakening or suppressing the immune system. This suppression decreases the swelling, pain and stiffness and improves function.

Directions for Use

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine. It can be taken with or without food. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results. Do not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets during pregnancy?

• Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets must not be used during pregnancy as it may cause some serious birth defects in unborn baby.
• If you are pregnant or think you may be (or if there is any delay in the onset of menses), you should consult your doctor immediately.
• When pregnancy is detected, this medicine should be discontinued immediately.
• Proper birth control measures should be taken while consuming it for at least 2 years after the final dose or up to 11 days after the treatment (washout period).
• It is essential to consult your doctor if you think you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby before starting treatment with this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Leflunomide passes into breastmilk. Hence, you should not breastfeed, while taking Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets. Please consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets may make you dizzy. Thus, you should avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

Consuming alcohol, along with Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets may increase the risk of liver problems. Thus, you should avoid the consumption of alcohol during the treatment.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You had any lung diseases like interstitial lung disease.
• You have ever had tuberculosis or have been in contact with someone who had the disease.
• You are going to be vaccinated.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You are pregnant, think you may be or are planning to have a baby.
• You are a male patent and want to be a father.
• You notice any allergic reaction or unwanted side effects after taking Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets, immediately contact your doctor.
• You should let the doctor or the laboratory person know that you are using this medicine while going for a lab test, as this medicine may interfere with the lab tests.
• Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets is not recommended for patients below the age of 18 years old.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Leflunomide or any other ingredients of Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets.
• If you are suffering from any severe liver or kidney disease.
• If you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
• If you have decreased platelet and white blood cell counts or a bone marrow problem.
• If you have low numbers of proteins in your blood.
• If you are suffering from any disease that affects your immunity system like AIDS.
• If you have any serious infection.

Side effects

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain, diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Tiredness, weakness
• Mouth ulcers
• Skin rashes, dry skin, itching
• Tingling sensation
• increased liver enzymes

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets may interact with other medications and provide an altered response to the treatment. Please notify your doctor if you are undergoing any other treatments, over-the-counter medications (that you buy without a prescription) and herbal preparations. Also, inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Concomitant use of anticoagulants like warfarin along with this medicine can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Live vaccines can interact with this medicine. Thus, concomitant use is not recommended.
• Concomitant use of Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets along with Cholestyramine or activated charcoal is not recommended.
• Cyclosporin used in organ transplantation can also be inappropriate to take with this medicine.
• Other medicines like Methotrexate, oral contraceptives, cefaclor, indomethacin, benzylpenicillin, ciprofloxacin, zidovudine, furosemide, rosuvastatin, sulfasalazine should be used with ion along with Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets.

Interactions with food items

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets can be taken with or without food.

Storage and disposal

Store Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Keep it away from children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the use of Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets is used in adults to treat active rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints) and psoriatic arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects some people who have the skin condition called psoriasis).

How to take Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water with or without food. Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.

Should I take Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets with or without food?

Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets can be taken with or without food.

Can Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets be given to children?

No, Lefra 20mg Strip Of 10 Tablets is not recommended for patients below the age of 18 years old.