Leflunomide and Rash: What Users Say

• jan...
• January 16, 2011

Leflunomide for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Arava worked great for me for about 2 1/2 months. My pain and stiffness were much, much improved. Unfortunately, I developed a severe rash and had to stop the medication to remove it from my system as quickly as possible. If it had not been for the rash, I would still be taking it."

• sne...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was prescribed Leflunomide by my rheumatologist for severe R.A. I took it for only 4 weeks before I broke out in a rash all over my arms, legs, and buttocks. The rash wasn't the worst part, it was the itchiness that was horrible. It has been 2 weeks since I stopped taking it, and the rash and itching have not let up, now my skin is peeling."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on this medicine for only 1 week. Every day I am feeling worse, not better. I have zero energy, I have a general feeling of discomfort, headache, clammy, and more pain than before I started. I kept thinking this would go away, but after reading some other reviews, I don’t think I want to wait for the rash, high BP, and hair loss. Calling my Dr tomorrow!"

• 70k...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took Leflunomide for 5 weeks, and I have broken out in the most awful rash you could imagine. My forearms are red as fire. I broke out with the rash under my arms, but it has not slowed down. I stopped taking the meds 5 days ago, and the rash on my arms is still terrible. I do not know how long it will take for the medication to get out of my system. I just know this is the most awful rash I have ever had."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took 20 mg of this medication about 6 months ago for 10 days. After a few days of taking it, I developed a very itchy rash on my arms, legs, belly, and back. After that, I stopped taking it, so I don't know if it would have helped with my RA symptoms. I take allergy medicine every day to calm it. The rash has remained and has spread more after I was put on blood pressure medication and began using a steroid cream (2 months ago). It has been slowly diminishing since then. I had a blood test to see if the drug was still present. It's there but in small amounts, .018 mcg/mL, where .020 mcg/mL is considered eliminated. But I can't see how it can be anything else causing the rash because it started right after taking it, is a common side effect, and can remain in the body for a long time. But my rheumatologist, a dermatologist, and an allergist are convinced the leflunomide is not the cause of the rash. I'm convinced it is."

• pot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Leflunomide has been life-changing for me, reducing my pain by 90%, but it hasn't reduced my inflammation. I have had some mild side effects of rash, which I treat with antihistamine and mild GI issues."

• 03m...
• April 20, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After taking Leflunomide for 5 weeks, I broke out with a skin rash under my arms and around my waist, stomach, and my arms. My doctor advised me to discontinue the meds. I see him today to see what I do next. I took prednisone the first 4 weeks with it and had no problems. I also woke up in the mornings with a slight headache that went away shortly after getting up."