Table 2 |
|
|
Side effects leading to cessation of leflunomide |
|
|
Side effect |
Number of patients reporting side effect |
|
|
|
|
Diarrhea |
8 |
|
|
|
|
Nausea/Vomiting |
7 |
|
|
|
|
Elevated transaminases* |
6 |
|
|
|
|
Shortness of breath/cough/pneumonitis |
5 |
|
|
|
|
Dizziness/fainting |
4 |
|
|
|
|
Rash |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Haematological |
3† |
|
|
|
|
Abdominal cramps/bloating |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Hair loss |
2 |
|
|
|
|
Fatigue |
2 |
|
|
|
|
9 others‡ |
1 each |
|
|
|
|
* Elevated transaminases ranged from 2 to 30 times the upper limit of normal † Includes one case each of oxidative haemolysis, neutropenia and leucopenia ‡ one each of muscle pain, blurred vision, facial flushing, mouth ulcers, taste disturbance, heavy/painful menstruation, peripheral neuropathy, loss of weight and headaches. |
|
|
Wiese et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2012 14:R163 doi:10.1186/ar3911 |
|
