Nodia 20 mg

Nodia 20 mg | INDICATIONS AND USES

Leflunomide is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce signs and symptoms and to retard structural damage as manifested by x-ray erosions and joint space narrowing.

Nodia 20 mg | PHARMACOLOGY

Leflunomide is an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which inhibits de novo pyrimidine synthesis and has anti-proliferative activity. Following oral administration, it is rapidly metabolized to A771726, which is active in vitro and is presumed to be the active drug in vivo. Leflunomide has demonstrated prophylactic and therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune disease. In addition, leflunomide has exhibited anti-inflammatory and weak analgesic and antipyretic activity. In a model of experimental septicemia, leflunomide did not alter the resistance of mice to bacterial pathogens.

Nodia 20 mg | DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Leflunomide once-daily oral dosing for rheumatoid arthritis patients. After a loading dose of 100 mg once daily for 3 days, the maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily. Leflunomide does not require step wise dose increment over time. The dose may be decreased to 10 mg daily if tolerability issues arise.

Nodia 20 mg | DRUG INTERACTIONS

Cholestyramine and activated charcoal may decrease plasma concentration of active metabolite. Concurrent use of methotrexate and other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Rifampicin increases serum levels of the active metabolite.

Nodia 20 mg | SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse reactions associated with the use of leflunomide include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, respiratory infection, bronchitis, elevated liver enzymes, aggravation of pre-existing hypertension, alopecia, and rash.

Nodia 20 mg | USE DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Leflunomide is not recommended for pregnant women. Pregnancy must be avoided during leflunomide treatment or prior to the completion of the drug elimination procedure after leflunomide treatment. Leflunomide should not be used by nursing mothers. It is not known whether leflunomide is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from leflunomide. Therefore, a decision should be made whether to proceed with nursing or initiate treatment with leflunomide, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Nodia 20 mg | PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Caution should be taken for those female with child bearing potential who are not using reliable contraception and for the subject of renal insufficiency. Leflunomide should be stopped before becoming pregnant. Liver function should be monitored before starting treatment.

Nodia 20 mg | THERAPEUTIC CLASS

Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nodia 20 mg | STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.