METHOTREXATE AND LEFLUNOMIDE INDUCED LEUKOPENIA
Sandra Maria Santo*, Sharon Elsa Moncy, Mohan Varughese, Chris P. Mathew
ABSTRACT
Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist which is most commonly used in chemotherapy and as an immunosuppressant in auto-immune diseases. Toxicity induced by Methotrexate depends on its dose and duration. Leflunomide is an isoxazole immuno-modulatory agent belonging to the class of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. It is an inhibitor of pyrimidine synthesis and has anti- proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions. Since the use of these drugs is increasing, the possibility of cumulative toxicity of the two drugs is always a concern whenever this drug combination is prescribed. We hereby report a drug reaction (leukopenia) due to Methotrexate and Leflunomide in a 71- year-old female patient who had been prescribed Methotrexate and Leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis.
Keywords: Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Leukopenia, Rheumatoid arthritis.
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