Nodia(Leflunomide)
Therapeutic Group: Anti Rheumatic Drugs
Presentation
Nodia 10: Each film coated tablet contains Leflunomide INN 10 mg.
Description
Nodia is an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which acts on the immune system, has been introduced recently as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. It inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (an enzyme involved in de novo pyrimidine synthesis) and has antiproliferative activity. Several in vivo and in vitro experimental models have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect
Indications
Nodia is indicated in adults for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce signs and symptoms and to retard structural damage as manifested by x-ray erosions and joint space narrowing .
Dosage & Administration
Nodia offers convenient once-daily oral dosing for RA patients. After a loading dose of 100 mg once daily for 3 days, the maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily. Leflunomide does not require stepwise dose increment over time. The dose may be decreased to 10 mg daily if tolerability issues arise.
Side Effects
Adverse reactions associated with the use of leflunomide include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, respiratory infection, bronchitis, elevated liver enzymes, aggravation of pre-existing hypertension, alopecia, and rash.
Precautions
Caution should be taken for those female with child bearing potential who are not using reliable contraception and for the subject of renal insufficiency. Leflunomide should be stopped before becoming pregnant. Liver function should be monitored before starting treatment.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy : Leflunomide is not recommended avoided during leflunomide treatment or prior procedure after leflunomide treatment.
for pregnant women. Pregnancy must be to the completion of the drug elimination
Nursing Mother : Leflunomide should not be used by nursing mothers. It is not known whether leflunomide is excreted in human milk. Many drugs are excreted in human milk and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from leflunomide. Therefore, a decision should be made whether to proceed with nursing or initiate treatment with leflunomide, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Use in children: Not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Drug Interaction
Cholestyramine and activated charcoal help rapid elimination of leflunomide from body. Increased side effects may occur when leflunomide is given concomitantly with hepatotoxic substances.
Over Dose
There is no human experience regarding leflunomide overdosage. In the event of a significant overdose or toxicity, cholestyramine or charcoal administration is recommended to accelerate elimination
Commercial Pack
Nodia 10: Each box contains 10 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Nodia 20: Each box contains 5 blister strips of 10 tablets.
Nodia 100: Each bottle contains 3 tablets.
