Product image of Lefid (Leflunomide) supplied by GNH India

Lefid

Active Ingredient:
Leflunomide
Origin:
EU

Lefid (Leflunomide)

Leflunomide, the active ingredient in Lefid, is an immunomodulatory DMARD presented as an oral dosage form for oral use. It is employed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in adult patients, helping to reduce joint inflammation and slow disease progression.

GNH India supplies Lefid as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company adheres to stringent quality standards and provides reliable global distribution, ensuring timely delivery and regulatory compliance across multiple markets.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Libytec Pharmaceutical S.A.

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Lefid (leflunomide) is used in the management of inflammatory joint diseases that involve autoimmune mechanisms.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation, pain, and slows structural damage in adult patients.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: alleviates skin and joint symptoms, improving functional ability.
  • Active disease in adults: helps control disease activity when conventional therapies are insufficient.

How It Works

  • Leflunomide inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which is essential for de novo pyrimidine synthesis. By limiting pyrimidine availability, it suppresses the proliferation of activated lymphocytes, thereby modulating the immune response and reducing inflammatory activity in autoimmune conditions.

Side Effects

Lefid may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea: loose stools or increased frequency.
  • Nausea: feeling of queasiness or upset stomach.
  • Alopecia: thinning or loss of hair.
  • Rash: skin irritation or redness.
  • Headache: mild to moderate head pain.
  • Hypertension: elevated blood pressure readings.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Hepatotoxicity: significant liver enzyme elevation or liver injury.
  • Severe infections: opportunistic or bacterial infections requiring medical attention.
  • Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction with blistering.
  • Pulmonary toxicity: interstitial lung disease or severe breathing difficulties.
  • Bone marrow suppression: anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.
  • Severe hypertension: markedly high blood pressure that may lead to complications.

Precautions & Warnings

When prescribing Lefid, clinicians should consider several safety measures to minimize risk.

  • Pregnancy: contraindicated; teratogenic risk, avoid use in pregnant women.
  • Liver function: monitor hepatic enzymes before initiation and periodically during therapy.
  • Blood pressure: regularly assess for hypertension, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Infections: evaluate for active infections; defer treatment until resolved.
  • Live vaccines: do not administer live vaccines during treatment.
  • Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Lefid can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect may lead to bleeding.
  • CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine): raise leflunomide plasma levels, increasing toxicity risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Methotrexate: additive hepatotoxicity; monitor liver function tests.
  • Live vaccines: reduced efficacy; avoid concurrent administration.
  • Other immunosuppressants: heightened infection risk; close clinical monitoring required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lefid contains leflunomide, an immunomodulatory disease‑modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in adult patients. It helps reduce joint inflammation, pain, and slows the progression of structural damage associated with these autoimmune conditions.

Leflunomide works by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key step in de novo pyrimidine synthesis. This limits the proliferation of activated T and B lymphocytes, thereby dampening the immune response and reducing the inflammatory processes that drive rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

The dosage of Lefid is individualized by the prescribing healthcare professional based on the patient’s clinical condition, response, and tolerability. The prescriber determines the appropriate starting dose, any loading regimen, and subsequent maintenance dose, following current clinical guidelines and safety monitoring.

Lefid is classified as pregnancy category X because it is teratogenic and can cause fetal harm. It is contraindicated in pregnant women and should be discontinued well before conception. Breastfeeding is also not recommended, as leflunomide can be excreted in milk and may affect the infant.

To order Lefid, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India supplies hospitals, pharmacies, and procurement teams worldwide. After the request, the sales team will verify trade or institutional credentials, then provide pricing, availability, shipping details (including any cold‑chain requirements), and assist with import documentation.

The primary alternative to leflunomide is methotrexate, another conventional DMARD. While both reduce disease activity, leflunomide has a different mechanism—targeting pyrimidine synthesis—whereas methotrexate inhibits folate metabolism. Lefid may be chosen when methotrexate is ineffective or not tolerated, but both require liver monitoring and have distinct safety profiles.

Lefid tablets should be stored below 25 °C in their original container, protected from moisture and light. Keep the product out of reach of children and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. No special refrigeration is required for this oral formulation.

Lefid is administered orally as a tablet, usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but consistency with regard to meals helps maintain steady absorption. Patients should follow the prescriber’s instructions regarding timing and any required loading dose.

Serious risks associated with Lefid include hepatotoxicity (significant liver enzyme elevation or liver injury), severe infections, hypertension, and rare but life‑threatening skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. Patients should be monitored regularly for liver function, blood pressure, and signs of infection, and any concerning symptoms should be reported promptly.

Lefid should not be used by pregnant women, individuals with severe liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or active serious infections. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to leflunomide or any of its excipients. Clinicians must assess each patient’s medical history before initiating therapy.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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