precautions when stopping treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Leflunomide can be stopped abruptly, but the drug may remain for a prolonged period.
Patients wishing to start a family, both male and female, need to be aware of the prolonged "washout" phase. This may take as long as 2 years, but this can be shortened to several weeks by administering either:
- Cholestyramine 8g tds for 11 days or
- Acitvated charcoal 50g qds for 11 days
At the end of the washout period, 2 blood tests are required to confirm drug eliminaiton. This is particularly important if the patient wishes to start a family.