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Leflunomide: long-term clinical experience and new uses
J Peter Kaltwasser1, Frank Behrens
1Abteilung Rheumatologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Zentrum der Inneren Medizin, J. W. Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. kaltwasser@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|June 7, 2005
Summary
Leflunomide effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Long-term use maintains efficacy and safety, offering a cost-effective option compared to other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Pharmacology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Leflunomide is an oral pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor.
- It possesses immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis.
- To assess the long-term maintenance of leflunomide's effects in RA patients.
- To compare leflunomide's safety profile with other RA treatments.
Main Methods:
- Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted.
- Efficacy and safety data were collected during these trials.
- Economic analyses were performed to assess cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Leflunomide demonstrated significant efficacy in treating RA and psoriatic arthritis.
- Long-term administration maintained both efficacy and safety in RA patients.
- Leflunomide showed a favourable incidence of adverse events compared to other RA agents.
- Economic studies identified leflunomide as a cost-effective treatment option.
Conclusions:
- Leflunomide is an effective and safe long-term treatment for RA and psoriatic arthritis.
- It presents a favourable safety profile and cost-effectiveness.
- Ongoing research explores combination therapies and leflunomide's use in other autoimmune disorders.