CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Polly Frowde,
Your cat has been prescribed leflunomide for the treatment of an immune-mediated disease (eg blood disorder, rheumatoid arthritis).
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Your cat has been prescribed leflunomide for the treatment of an immune-mediated disease process, including blood disorders (eg immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia), or rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide suppresses the immune system.
Leflunomide is given orally (as tablets). It is administered once daily. Follow your veterinarian's directions carefully. Tablets can either be administered directly into your cat’s mouth or along with some food. Do not split or crush tablets.
The person administering this medication to your pet must wear disposable gloves and avoid touching the medication.
Possible side-effects of leflunomide include diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, hemorrhage, infections and liver dysfunction.
Used with extreme caution in patients with severe immunodeficiency and in patients with significant liver or kidney impairment, bone marrow disease or active infection. Close monitoring is required for use in patients receiving other immunosuppressive drugs, or drugs known to be toxic to the liver.
It’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible if you have any concerns regarding side-effects, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required.
The following drugs may interact with leflunomide; phenytoin and digoxin.
Leflunomide should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients.
Dispose of any unused leflunomide safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save leflunomide for future use or give to other pets.
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Leflunomide should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly and may need to run regular blood tests or perform other diagnostics to monitor your pet’s response to the treatment and to check for signs of toxicity.
If you have any concerns, further information on leflunomide can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.