[Efficacy of leflunomide].

Abstract

Leflunomide(Arava) is a novel immunomodulatory drug, the primary action of which is inhibition of de-novo pyrimidine synthesis by selective inhibition of dihydro-orotate dehydrogenase. It has been shown that leflunomide is effective in treating active rheumatoid arthritis(RA) in a placebo-controlled phase II study. Subsequent multinational, randomized, controlled phase III clinical trials demonstrated that leflunomide is as effective and safe as methotrexate and sulfasalazine in treatment of RA. Frequently reported adverse effects included diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, reversible alopecia, and transient lever enzyme elevations. However, accumulating concerns about its toxic effects, especially hepatotoxicity, have been raised recently. In addition, rheumatologists should be aware that leflunomide has a much longer half life than any other disease modifying antirheumatic drug.

• Authors: Shunsei Hirohata
• Journal: Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine (Nihon Rinsho) Vol. 60 Issue 12 Pg. 2357-63 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0047-1852 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 12510362 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antirheumatic Agents
• Isoxazoles
• Sulfasalazine
• leflunomide
• Methotrexate

Topics

• Animals
• Antirheumatic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (drug therapy)
• Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Isoxazoles (adverse effects, chemistry, therapeutic use)
• Liver Diseases
• Methotrexate (therapeutic use)
• Mice
• Sulfasalazine (therapeutic use)