Leflunomide: A Drug for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Leflunomide is a drug that belongs to the class of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. Leflunomide works by inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which is involved in the synthesis of pyrimidine, a building block of DNA and RNA. By blocking this enzyme, leflunomide reduces the proliferation of immune cells that cause inflammation and damage to the joints.
Benefits of Leflunomide
Leflunomide has been shown to be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint pain, swelling, tenderness, and morning stiffness. It also helps to slow down the progression of joint damage and improve physical function and quality of life. Leflunomide can be used alone or in combination with other DMARDs or biologic agents, such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, or TNF inhibitors.
Side Effects of Leflunomide
Leflunomide can cause some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, rash, hair loss, weight loss, and increased blood pressure. The most serious side effect of leflunomide is liver toxicity, which can lead to liver failure or death. Therefore, leflunomide should not be used by people who have severe liver disease or elevated liver enzymes. People who take leflunomide should have regular blood tests to monitor their liver function and avoid alcohol consumption. Leflunomide can also cause birth defects or fetal death if taken during pregnancy or by men whose partners are pregnant. Women who take leflunomide should use effective contraception during treatment and for up to two years after stopping the drug. Men who take leflunomide should use condoms during treatment and for up to three months after stopping the drug.
Brand Names and Prices of Leflunomide
Leflunomide is available in different brand names and dosages around the world. The original brand name of leflunomide is Arava, which is manufactured by Sanofi Aventis Pharma India. Arava comes in tablets of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg. The price of Arava varies depending on the country and the supplier. According to Drugs.com , the average retail price of Arava in the United States is $1,172.40 for 30 tablets of 20 mg. However, some online pharmacies may offer lower prices or discounts for Arava.
There are also many generic versions of leflunomide that are produced by different pharmaceutical companies around the world. Some of the generic brand names of leflunomide are Cleft (Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.), Lefno (IPCA Laboratories Ltd.), Lefra (Torrent Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.), Lefumide (Cipla Limited), Lisifen (Cadila Healthcare Limited), and Rumalef (Zydus Cadila Healthcare Ltd.). The prices of these generic brands may vary depending on the country and the supplier. According to Medindia.net , the price of generic leflunomide in India ranges from ₹ 5.00 to ₹ 60.00 per tablet of 10 mg.
The following table shows a comparison of the prices of some brand names of leflunomide in different countries with references:
| Brand Name | Country | Dosage | Price per Tablet | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arava | USA | 20 mg | $39.08 | |
| Cleft | India | 10 mg | ₹ 5.00 | |
| Lefno | India | 10 mg | ₹ 8.00 | |
| Lefra | India | 10 mg | ₹ 9.00 | |
| Lefumide | India | 10 mg | ₹ 10.00 | |
| Lisifen | India | 10 mg | ₹ 12.00 | |
| Rumalef | India | 10 mg | ₹ 60.00 |
Table Title: Prices of Leflunomide Brands in Different Countries with References
Conclusion
Leflunomide is a DMARD that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the synthesis of pyrimidine and reducing the inflammation and damage to the joints. Leflunomide can cause some side effects, such as liver toxicity and birth defects, so it should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Leflunomide is available in different brand names and prices around the world, depending on the manufacturer and the supplier. Leflunomide can be a useful option for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and need a drug that can modify the course of the disease and improve their quality of life.
: https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/arava
: https://www.medindia.net/drug-price/leflunomide.htm