Leflunomide (Larava) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. View leflunomide information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and monitoring requirements. What is leflunomide? Leflunomide affects the immune system and reduces swelling and inflammation in the body. Leflunomide is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat adults with moderate to severe inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It works by suppressing the immune system and decreasing inflammation, which helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and prevents further joint damage. Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor belonging to the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic class of drugs (DMARD) used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that achieves its effects by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which plays a key role in the de novo synthesis of uridine monophosphate (rUMP), which is required for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Leflunomide is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is an immunosuppressive medicine, which means that it works by reducing the activity of the immune system. Overview: Leflunomide is an oral tablet used for rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine may help reduce joint swelling and damage. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Stop. Leflunomide can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. Leflunomide is used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine works by stopping the body from producing too many of the immune cells that are responsible for the swelling and inflammation.