Resource Leflunomide Leflunomide is sometimes used as a valuable alternative to methotrexate, especially when there is methotrexate-associated nausea. Print How to say it? Le-flu-noe-mide Other names: Arava How is it taken? Tablet How often? Once daily How long for? Long term How soon does it start working? After several weeks Usage Leflunomide is sometimes used as a valuable alternative to methotrexate, especially when there is methotrexate-associated nausea. Although it does not cause nausea, in a small number of patients it may cause some diarrhoea. This stops on cessation of the drug. Very rarely, it may cause numbness or tingling of the hands. It works in a similar way to methotrexate and blood monitoring is similar, too. Your team will advise you fully on this. Precautions Leflunomide should be avoided by anyone wanting to start a family and anyone whose blood cell counts are particularly low. Blood tests As for methotrexate, above. Pregnancy Anyone taking leflunomide who is sexually active should take effective contraception during treatment and for at least two years afterwards, in the case of women, or at least three months, in the case of men. Updated: 01/07/2021 Next review: 01/04/2024