Hi Everyone

I have been following the topic 'starting leflunomide' this week as i also started this drug on Monday after seeing my rheumy. After searching for others on the same drugs the search has come back 'no results'. Am i the only one on both drugs? I have methotrexate 20mg and leflunomine 10mg, also folic acid 5mg 6 days per week, amitryptline 25mg each evening, arthrotec 75mg twice a day, citalopram 20mg one each evening, co-codomol 30/500 x 2, 4 times a day for the RA and i also take propranolol slow release 160mg and 4 x 10mg propranolol each day for SVT (fast heartbeat) and high blood pressure. I have morphine patches when i need them, which is all the time really but i try to do without!!

Well my question really relates to 'is this a good combination' as i have had headaches, diarrhoea and quite bad pains in the right part of my stomach, which kept me a wake most of last night. This has only occurred since starting the leflunomide on Monday.

I would really appreciate any comments.

Wishing you all a pain free day.

Love Shirley x

Hi Shirley,

I had both MTX and leflunomide, though not actually together, and of the two, it was leflunomide that made me feel more ill. The trouble is, we have to take such a mixture of drugs so that we can function. I`m always checking if they`re compatible, and I`m usually told that the benefits outweigh the risks.

I think Doreen`s suggestion of contacting your rheumy nurse is a good one. She will be advise you on the best course of actions.Jot a few points down on some paper before you ring - if you`re like me you`ll forget half of what you wanted to ask!

Take care,

Kathleen x

Hi Shirley, Im on mx and hydroxy and possibly due to start leflunomide next week. Im led to believe that the most common side effects are headaches usually due tohigh blood pressure, diaraoahh (never can spell that!!) and loss of appetite. My rheummy nurse told me that if I start taking it and start with the headaches then to get my blood pressure checked asap.

Hope you get some answers soon and a pain free night!

lots of love
Heatherxxx