CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Polly Frowde,
Medication: Leflunomide
Medication: Leflunomide
Your dog has been prescribed leflunomide for the treatment of an immune-mediated disease (eg blood disorder, polyarthritis), histiocytosis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Key points:
• Immunosuppressant drug.
• Do not handle this medication unless wearing gloves.
• Dispose of your dog’s feces carefully, do not allow your dog to lick you whilst they are on this medication.
• This drug is not licensed for use in dogs. Your veterinarian will advise you as to off-license use of this medication.
• Dosage: once daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Leflunomide (le-floo-no-miyd).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing leflunomide. Human products containing leflunomide that may be prescribed for your dog include Arava.
Class of medication
- Immunosuppressant.
Storage
- Store at room temperature and protect from light.
Why has my dog been prescribed leflunomide?
Your dog has been prescribed leflunomide for the treatment of histiocytosis or an immune-mediated disease process, including blood disorders (eg immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia) and or immune-mediated polyarthritis. It may also be used for certain inflammatory conditions, eg inflammatory bowel disease. Leflunomide suppresses the immune system.
How is the medication given?
Leflunomide is given orally (as tablets). It is administered once daily. Follow your veterinarian's directions carefully. Tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food. Do not split or crush tablets.
The person administering this medication to your pet must wear disposable gloves and avoid touching the medication.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Possible side-effects of leflunomide include diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, hemorrhage, infections and liver dysfunction.
Used with extreme caution in patients with severe immunodeficiency and in patients with significant liver or kidney impairment, bone marrow disease or active infection. Close monitoring is required for use in patients receiving other immunosuppressive drugs, or drugs known to be toxic to the liver.
It’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible if you have any concerns regarding side-effects, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required.
The following drugs may interact with leflunomide; phenytoin and digoxin.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Leflunomide should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused leflunomide safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save leflunomide for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Leflunomide should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on leflunomide?
Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly and may need to run regular blood tests or perform other diagnostics to monitor your pet’s response to the treatment and to check for signs of toxicity.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on leflunomide can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your vet may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.