Description
Lefno Coated Tablets 20 mg. №30
Ingredients:
Each coated tablet contains 20 mg of Leflunomide.
Mechanism of Action:
Leflunomide works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in pyrimidine synthesis. This inhibition leads to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Pharmacological Properties:
Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It exerts its effects by interfering with pyrimidine synthesis and inhibiting certain immune responses.
Indications for Use:
Lefno tablets are indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce signs and symptoms and to inhibit structural damage associated with the disease.
Contraindications:
Avoid using Lefno tablets if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a known allergy to leflunomide. Patients with severe immunodeficiency or hepatic impairment should also not take this medication.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of Lefno tablets may include gastrointestinal disturbances, elevated liver enzymes, hair loss, and skin reactions. Serious but rare side effects include hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, and peripheral neuropathy.
Usage Instructions:
The recommended dosage of Lefno is one 20 mg tablet taken orally once daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, with or without food, at the same time each day.
Benefits Compared to Analogues:
Lefno has demonstrated efficacy comparable to other DMARDs in treating rheumatoid arthritis but with a more favorable side effect profile, particularly in terms of hepatotoxicity and bone marrow suppression.
Suitable Patient Groups:
Lefno tablets are suitable for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Use in children, elderly individuals, and patients with renal impairment should be done with caution and under medical supervision.
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life:
Store Lefno tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the tablets in their original packaging to protect them from moisture. Check the expiration date on the packaging and do not use expired tablets.
Packaging Description:
Lefno tablets are available in blister packs of 30 tablets each. The blister pack is designed to maintain the integrity and stability of the tablets until use.
Scientific Evidence:
Leflunomide, the active ingredient in Lefno tablets, has been extensively studied for its efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Research published in the Journal of Rheumatology demonstrated that leflunomide significantly improved disease activity scores and slowed radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Evidence and Proven Effectiveness:
Clinical studies have shown that Lefno tablets, containing leflunomide, effectively reduce disease activity and slow structural damage progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The medication has been proven to be a valuable treatment option in managing the symptoms of this chronic autoimmune condition.