PRODUCT DETAILS

About Gatolef 20mg Tablet

LEFLUNOMIDE belongs to the group of medicines called 'anti-rheumatic agents' used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis (red patches of skin with silvery scales). 

LEFLUNOMIDE contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. 

Uses of Gatolef 20mg Tablet

Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis

Medicinal Benefits of Gatolef 20mg Tablet

LEFLUNOMIDE belongs to the group of medicines called anti-rheumatic agents used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. LEFLUNOMIDE is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs) which works by blocking part of your activated immune system and proteins that cause pain and inflammation at the damaged site. It also reduces overall flares up developed due to provoked immune system. Thus, together it helps to perform your daily activity in a better manner.

Directions for Use

Take LEFLUNOMIDE with or without food. Do not break, or crush the tablet; swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Take LEFLUNOMIDE exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take LEFLUNOMIDE unless prescribed by a doctor. Based on your medical condition, your doctor will prescribe for how long you need to take LEFLUNOMIDE.

Side Effects of Gatolef 20mg Tablet

Like all medicines, LEFLUNOMIDE can also cause side-effects, although not everybody experiences them. Diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss are the common side-effects of LEFLUNOMIDE. Please consult your doctor if you experience any of these side-effects persistently.

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Do not take LEFLUNOMIDE if you are allergic to leflunomide, have liver problems, kidney problems, low levels of protein in the blood, immune system problems, bone marrow problems, or serious infections. LEFLUNOMIDE is not recommended to be used in pregnant women, lactating mothers and people below 18 years of age. Talk to your doctor before taking LEFLUNOMIDE if you have/had serious infections like interstitial lung disease (inflammation of lungs), tuberculosis (TB), or pneumonia. LEFLUNOMIDE causes dizziness, so drive with caution. LEFLUNOMIDE may make you more susceptible to infections, and you may develop infections, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising. Notify the doctor if you experience these symptoms. Regular blood tests are also necessary to monitor blood cells and liver function. 

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

•  LEFLUNOMIDE may have interaction with ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, aspirin (used to relieve pain), duloxetine (used to treat depression), prednisone (used to treat inflammation), celecoxib, azathioprine, etanercept, adalimumab, meloxicam, methotrexate, abatacept, infliximab (used to treat arthritis), and hydroxychloroquine (used to treat malaria). 

Drug-Disease Interaction:

• LEFLUNOMIDE should not be given in patients with low immunity, pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), hypertension (high blood pressure), lung toxicity, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), liver and kidney dysfunction.

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking LEFLUNOMIDE. Alcohol intake, along with LEFLUNOMIDE, may cause liver disease.

PREGNANCY

It is not recommended to take LEFLUNOMIDE while you are pregnant. LEFLUNOMIDE may cause serious birth defects.

BREAST FEEDING

It is not recommended to take LEFLUNOMIDE while you are breastfeeding. LEFLUNOMIDE passes into breast milk.

DRIVING

LEFLUNOMIDE may cause dizziness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

LIVER

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking LEFLUNOMIDE.

KIDNEY

Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking LEFLUNOMIDE.