LIDOVA 10 mg capsules (Hard Gelatin)

What is LIDOVA 10 mg

LIDOVA 10 mg is a prescription medicine that contains Leflunomide, an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent. It is primarily used for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Leflunomide works by inhibiting the proliferation of activated T-lymphocytes, which play a key role in autoimmune inflammation. LIDOVA is used to reduce joint pain, swelling, and prevent long-term damage to joints and bones caused by chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Therapeutic Class: Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
• Indications: Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
• Form: Hard gelatin capsule containing 10 mg of Leflunomide
• Mechanism: Immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative effects on T and B cells

How to use LIDOVA 10 mg

Always take LIDOVA 10 mg exactly as prescribed by your physician. It is typically part of a long-term treatment plan and may be combined with other medications like methotrexate or corticosteroids.

• Route: Oral – swallow capsule whole with water
• Timing: Take at the same time daily, with or without food
• Do Not Crush: Capsules must be taken intact to maintain efficacy
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless it’s almost time for your next dose; do not double dose

Periodic blood tests are required to monitor liver function, white blood cell counts, and overall treatment response.

Mode of Action LIDOVA 10 mg

Leflunomide exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme essential for pyrimidine synthesis in rapidly dividing cells like activated T-lymphocytes. This inhibition suppresses autoimmune activity responsible for chronic inflammation in joints and tissues.

• Target: Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH)
• Primary Effect: Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation
• Secondary Effects: Reduction in inflammatory cytokine production
• Clinical Benefit: Improved joint function and reduced disease progression

LIDOVA 10 mg Interactions LIDOVA 10 mg

LIDOVA can interact with other drugs, especially those affecting the liver or immune system. Always inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements you are using.

• Methotrexate: Increases liver toxicity risk
• NSAIDs: Generally safe, but monitor for adverse gastrointestinal or hepatic effects
• Live Vaccines: Avoid during treatment due to immunosuppressive effects
• Rifampin: May increase levels of Leflunomide’s active metabolite
• Warfarin: Potentiation of anticoagulant effect – INR monitoring recommended

Dosage of LIDOVA 10 mg

The dosing of LIDOVA is individualized based on the condition being treated and patient tolerance.

• Initial Dose (Loading): Some regimens begin with 100 mg daily for 3 days (not always recommended due to side effects)
• Maintenance Dose: 10 to 20 mg daily depending on disease severity and liver function
• Adjustment: Dose may be reduced if liver enzymes elevate or gastrointestinal symptoms occur
• Duration: Long-term use may be necessary in chronic conditions

Regular blood tests are required to adjust the dose and ensure safe use.

Possible side effects of LIDOVA 10 mg

Like all medications, LIDOVA can cause side effects. Some are common and manageable, while others may require medical attention.

• Common: Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache
• Liver-related: Elevated liver enzymes – may require dose reduction or discontinuation
• Hematologic: Lowered white blood cell count (leukopenia)
• Respiratory: Interstitial lung disease (rare but serious)
• Skin: Rash, hair thinning, allergic reactions

Report any unusual fatigue, bruising, jaundice, or breathing difficulty to your doctor promptly.

LIDOVA 10 mg Contraindications LIDOVA 10 mg

• Pregnancy – LIDOVA is contraindicated; women of childbearing age must use effective contraception
• Severe liver disease
• Severe immunodeficiency states
• Hypersensitivity to Leflunomide or any capsule component
• Bone marrow suppression

A drug elimination procedure (using cholestyramine) may be needed if pregnancy is planned after LIDOVA therapy.

Storage of LIDOVA 10 mg

• Store below 25°C (77°F) in a dry location
• Keep in the original blister pack to protect from moisture
• Do not freeze or refrigerate
• Keep out of reach of children

Dispose of expired or unused capsules according to local pharmaceutical waste disposal regulations.