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Precautions when stopping treatment

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Leflunomide can be stopped abruptly, but the drug may remain for a prolonged period.

Patients wishing to start a family, both male and female, need to be aware of the prolonged "washout" phase. This may take as long as 2 years, but this can be shortened to several weeks by administering either:

  • Cholestyramine 8g tds for 11 days or
  • Acitvated charcoal 50g qds for 11 days

At the end of the washout period, 2 blood tests are required to confirm drug eliminaiton. This is particularly important if the patient wishes to start a family.

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