Leflunomide Drug

Take leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis and was told today to stop taking the drug test because the liver is high, however, yesterday blood in the stool

The following was taken from a fact sheet on drugs:

"Taking leflunomide can also affect the blood count (one effect is that blood cells are fewer in number) and it can make you more likely to develop infections. If you develop a sore throat or other infections , fever, unexplained bruising, bleeding or rash, or if you become breathless, or develop any other unexpected new symptoms after starting leflunomide, you must tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse specialist as soon as possible.

Leflunomide may affect the liver. This can cause problems ranging from abnormalities in blood tests without causing health problems severe liver damage which can be fatal. If you develop symptoms such as unusual fatigue, abdominal pain or jaundice (skin or eyes turning yellow), inform your doctor or rheumatology nurse specialist immediately. "

As you can see, abnormal liver enzymes have been enough to get off this drug. Bleeding in the stool is also probably the result of medication. Just to be safe, you should probably discuss with your doctor as soon as possible. Good luck.

Yes. As you already know leflunomide may affect your liver function. Your liver is responsible for the production of clotting factors. If your liver is inflammed it will not work as well and therefore not produce as clotting factor and so much more you bleed more easily.

In addition leflunomide may also reduce your number of platelets. Platelets are also responsible for clotting and have low platelets you will bleed more easily.

Personally, if this happened to me, I would like to know how my liver function tests were. If they are disturbed, they can cause bleeding problems. I would also like to know what my blood count was to see if it was low platelet count. If these were normal I would like a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is not the most pleasant of investigations but will inform the doctor about the cause of bleeding. The most likely cause is hemorrhoids, but there are other more serious causes.