Lefora Tablet Uses

Lefora tablets are a type of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). RA is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the skin and joints. The following are some common uses and indications of Lefora Tablet:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Lefora tablet is commonly prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Lefora tablet helps to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation in the joints.
2. Psoriatic Arthritis: Lefora tablet is also used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that can occur in people with the skin condition psoriasis. It helps alleviate joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with this condition.
3. Ankylosing Spondylitis: In some cases, Lefora tablets may be used to manage ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Off-label Uses of Lefora Tablet

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Lefora tablet may be considered in some cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems in the body.
2. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): In some instances, Lefora tablets may be used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects children and adolescents.
3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness. In some cases, Lefora tablets may be considered a treatment option.
4. Vasculitis: Lefora tablet may be used in certain cases of vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly when other treatments have not been effective.
5. Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis): This is a type of vasculitis that primarily affects the arteries in the head and neck. Lefora tablets may be considered as part of the treatment plan.
6. Other Autoimmune or Inflammatory Conditions: Lefora tablet’s immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential option for other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, and others.
7. Prevention of Organ Transplant Rejection: In some cases, Lefora tablets may be used off-label to help prevent organ transplant rejection by suppressing the immune system.
8. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Some studies have investigated the potential benefits of Lefora tablets in the treatment of interstitial lung disease associated with autoimmune conditions.

Lefora is one of the leading brands of Leflunomide, manufactured and marketed by Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

The following are some alternative brands of Lefora and their manufacturers.

• Lefanor : Macter International (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Kara : S.J & G Fazul Elahie.
• Ariva : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Rhulef : Searle Pakistan Ltd.
• Lefona : Biogenics Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
• RA-Mide : Horizon Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Leforex : Panacea Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Lefid : Akhai Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Lefluno : Caraway Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Aidra : Wilshire Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Lefora is available in Tablet form.

• Lefora Tablet : 10mg and 20mg strengths.

Lefora tablets have specific contraindications, meaning there are conditions or situations in which the medication should not be used.

1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lefora tablets can cause serious harm to a developing fetus. It’s contraindicated in pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant in the near future. Women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception while taking Lefora tablets and after discontinuing treatment until a drug elimination procedure is completed. Lefora tablets can also pass into breast milk, so it is contraindicated in breastfeeding individuals.
2. Severe Hepatic Impairment: Lefora tablet is metabolized in the liver. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe liver dysfunction.
3. Severe Immunodeficiency or Bone Marrow Suppression: Lefora tablets may suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe immunodeficiency disorders or severe bone marrow suppression.
4. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Leflunomide or any of its components should not use Lefora tablets.
5. Severe Blood Disorders: Lefora tablet may affect blood cell production in the bone marrow. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe blood disorders.
6. Active or Chronic Infections: Due to its immunosuppressive effects, the Lefora tablet is contraindicated in individuals with active or chronic infections.
7. Severe Pulmonary Impairment: In cases of severe lung dysfunction, particularly if it impairs oxygenation, the use of Lefora tablet may be contraindicated.
8. Severe Kidney Dysfunction: While Lefora tablet is primarily eliminated through the liver, caution is advised in individuals with severe kidney dysfunction.

Lefora Tablet Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

• Starting Dose in Adults: 100mg once daily for the first three days.
• After the initial loading dose, the maintenance dose is typically 10mg or 20mg tablet once daily, depending on the patient’s response and tolerance.

Lefora Tablet Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis:

• The recommended dosage for psoriatic arthritis is typically the same as for rheumatoid arthritis, with a starting dose of 100 mg once daily for three days, followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, depending on individual response.

Lefora Tablet Dose for Dosing in Special Populations:

• Dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with liver impairment, as the Lefora tablet is metabolized in the liver. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose in such cases.
• Lefora is not recommended for use in individuals with severe immunodeficiency or severe bone marrow suppression.

Lefora tablet’s primary mode of action is the inhibition of an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). DHODH is a crucial enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. By inhibiting DHODH, Lefora tablet disrupts the production of these nucleotides, thereby interfering with the proliferation of rapidly dividing immune cells, such as T- and B-lymphocytes.

By impeding the synthesis of pyrimidines, Lefora tablet selectively targets activated lymphocytes, particularly T-cells. This leads to a reduction in the number of circulating immune cells and dampens the immune system’s response. In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system is overactive and mistakenly targets healthy tissues, this suppression helps alleviate symptoms.