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Table 2 Side effects leading to cessation of leflunomide

From: Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 2C19 enzyme and cessation of leflunomide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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

  1. * Elevated transaminases ranged from 2 to 30 times the upper limit of normal
  2. † Includes one case each of oxidative haemolysis, neutropenia and leucopenia
  3. ‡ one each of muscle pain, blurred vision, facial flushing, mouth ulcers, taste disturbance, heavy/painful menstruation, peripheral neuropathy, loss of weight and headaches.
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Arthritis Research & Therapy

ISSN: 1478-6362

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