This clinical presentation by Dr. Chengappa Kavadichanda (Clinical Immunologist and Rheumatologist) on Rheuma TV focuses on the clinical application, safety profile, and toxicity management of Leflunomide—a key conventional synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (csDMARD) used across rheumatological practice.
Primary Focus: Therapeutic rationale, mechanism of action, baseline pre-screening, monitoring regimens, and management of adverse effects associated with Leflunomide.
Mechanism & Target: Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibition, suppressing de novo pyrimidine synthesis to arrest activated T-lymphocyte proliferation.
Key Clinical Protocols: Pre-treatment screening (LFTs, CBC, viral hepatitis, TB, pregnancy exclusion), ongoing safety monitoring, and step-by-step procedures for handling drug-induced toxicities using cholestyramine or activated charcoal washout.