leflunomide
Leflunomide is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function). Leflunomide is in a class of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It works by decreasing inflammation and slowing the progress of the condition, which can help improve the physical activity of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking leflunomide affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether leflunomide can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking leflunomide increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that small studies and case reports of people who became pregnant while taking leflunomide have not suggested an increased chance of miscarriage. Any individual concerns should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking leflunomide increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. Animal studies have suggested leflunomide could increase the chance of birth defects, but available case reports and human studies—mostly involving people who stopped the medication early in pregnancy and received washout treatment—have not shown an increased chance of birth defects. It is harder to know how longer exposures in pregnancy may affect outcomes, and decisions about use should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking leflunomide during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Limited information about use of leflunomide later in pregnancy does not suggest an increased chance of other pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, according to the fact sheet. Because data are limited, it is important to discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.
Can taking leflunomide during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states that studies have not been done to see if leflunomide can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. Questions about long-term child development should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking leflunomide?
Studies have not been done on the use of leflunomide during breastfeeding. The fact sheet notes that leflunomide stays in the body for a long time and could build up in breast milk, and because the medication can weaken the immune system, there is concern about possible effects on a nursing child's immune system; the product label recommends that people who are breastfeeding not use this medication. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking leflunomide should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
leflunomide