Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. These could be symptoms of a condition called peripheral neuropathy.
Adverse reactions associated with the use of leflunomide in RA include diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST), alopecia and rash.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bloody or cloudy urine
cough
difficult or painful breathing
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dizziness
fever
frequent urge to urinate
headache
loss of appetite
nausea or vomiting
sneezing
sore throat
tightness in the chest
yellow eyes or skin
Less common
Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning, prickling, or tingling sensation in the fingers or toes
chest pain
diarrhea
fast heartbeat
indigestion
joint or muscle pain or stiffness
pounding heartbeat
severe stomach pain
shortness of breath
tenderness in the stomach area
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Area rash
black or tarry stools
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
bloating
blood in the stools
burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
chills
clay-colored stools
confusion
constipation
continuing vomiting
cough or hoarseness
dark urine
fainting
fever with or without chills
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
high fever
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
lightheadedness
lower back or side pain
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rapid, shallow breathing
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
swollen glands
unexplained bleeding or bruising
unpleasant breath odor
unsteadiness or awkwardness
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting of blood
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Back pain
hair loss
heartburn
skin rash
stomach pain
weight loss (unexplained)
Less common
Acne
anxiety
decreased appetite
dry mouth
gas
irritation or soreness of the mouth
itching of the skin
pain or burning in the throat
runny nose
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.