Leflunomide Eye Medicine: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Leflunomide is an immunomodulator medicine used to treat chronic uveitis, helping to reduce the need for steroids.

Drug class	DMARD
Type	Single
Forms	Tablet
Common strength	10 / 20 mg
Common Indian brands	Lefno, Cleft
Prescription status	Prescription

What Leflunomide is used for

Leflunomide is a powerful medicine prescribed by eye specialists at Pristine Eye Hospitals primarily for:

Chronic Uveitis: This is a long-lasting inflammation inside the eye. Uveitis can affect different parts of the eye, including the iris (the coloured part), the ciliary body, and the choroid. If left untreated, chronic uveitis can lead to serious complications like glaucoma, cataracts, and even permanent vision loss. Leflunomide is used as a ‘steroid-sparing therapy’ in these cases. This means it helps to control the inflammation effectively, allowing your doctor to reduce the dose of steroid medicines you might be taking, or even stop them altogether. Reducing steroid use is important because long-term steroid use can have its own set of side effects.

By managing chronic uveitis, Leflunomide aims to protect your vision and improve your quality of life.

How it works

Leflunomide belongs to a group of medicines called immunomodulators, specifically a type known as a DMARD (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug). Its main job is to calm down an overactive immune system. In conditions like chronic uveitis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues in the eye, causing inflammation.

Leflunomide works by blocking the proliferation (rapid multiplication) of certain immune cells. By doing so, it reduces the number of these cells that are causing inflammation in your eye. This helps to bring the inflammation under control and prevent further damage to your eye tissues. It doesn’t cure the underlying condition but helps to manage it effectively, reducing the need for other strong medicines like steroids.

How it’s used

Leflunomide is available as a tablet and is taken orally. Your eye specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will determine the exact dose and duration of your treatment based on your specific condition and how you respond to the medicine.

Dosing: The usual dose is 10 mg to 20 mg, taken once a day. It is important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your specialist.
Administration: You can take the tablet with or without food. It is often helpful to take it at the same time each day to help you remember. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Regular Monitoring: Because Leflunomide is a powerful medicine, regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are crucial. Your doctor will schedule these to check your progress and ensure the medicine is working effectively and safely.

Always keep your appointments and communicate any concerns or side effects you experience to your healthcare team.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Lefno
Cleft

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Please note

Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.

Precautions & side effects

Leflunomide is a powerful medicine that requires careful use and monitoring. Here are important precautions to be aware of:

Immune System Suppression: This medicine suppresses your immune system, which means it can increase your risk of infections. Before starting treatment, your doctor will usually screen you for conditions like tuberculosis and hepatitis to ensure it’s safe to use. During treatment, be vigilant for any signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, unusual tiredness) and report them immediately to your doctor.
Liver Monitoring: Leflunomide can affect your liver. Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function will be required throughout your treatment. It is crucial to attend all scheduled monitoring appointments.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Leflunomide is teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe harm to an unborn baby. It must be strictly avoided during pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you must use effective contraception during treatment and for a significant period after stopping the medicine. Discuss family planning with your doctor before starting Leflunomide. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding.
Specialist Supervision: This medicine should only be used under the strict supervision of a specialist doctor who is experienced in managing conditions requiring immunomodulators.
Alcohol: Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it can also affect your liver and may interact with Leflunomide.
Other Medicines: Always inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, to avoid potential interactions.

Your doctor will discuss all these precautions with you in detail before you start treatment and will guide you through the monitoring process. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Understanding Chronic Uveitis and Its Management

Chronic uveitis is a persistent inflammation inside your eye that can affect various structures, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Unlike acute uveitis, which comes on suddenly and often resolves quickly, chronic uveitis can linger for months or even years, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular eye check-ups crucial, especially if you have a history of autoimmune conditions or other risk factors. The inflammation, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as cataracts (clouding of the eye’s natural lens), glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve), macular edema (swelling at the back of the eye), and even permanent vision loss. The goal of treatment, often involving medicines like Leflunomide, is to control this inflammation, preserve your vision, and prevent these complications. By reducing the immune system’s overactivity, Leflunomide helps to calm the inflammation and reduce the need for long-term steroid use, which can have its own set of side effects. It’s important to understand that managing chronic uveitis is often a long-term journey, requiring patience and consistent adherence to your doctor’s advice and medication regimen.

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, our specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for chronic uveitis, using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge, so you can actively participate in your treatment journey. Always communicate openly with your healthcare team about any symptoms, concerns, or changes in your vision.

General Advice for Taking Oral Medicines and Maintaining Hygiene

When taking oral medicines like Leflunomide, it’s important to follow some general guidelines to ensure effectiveness and safety. Always take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses, even if you feel better, and do not take extra doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up on doses. Store your medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store medicines in the bathroom cabinet, as humidity can affect them. Always check the expiry date on the packaging and discard any expired medicine safely, as advised by your pharmacist.

Maintaining good personal hygiene is also crucial, especially when taking an immune-suppressing medicine like Leflunomide. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after being in public places. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep your living environment clean. These simple measures can help reduce your risk of infections, which is particularly important when your immune system is suppressed. If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, persistent cough, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help

While Leflunomide is an effective medicine for chronic uveitis, it’s important to be aware of when to seek medical attention. You should contact your eye specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals or seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:

Signs of Infection: Fever (temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, persistent sore throat, unusual cough, shortness of breath, painful urination, or any new skin rash. These could indicate an infection, which needs prompt treatment due to your suppressed immune system.
Liver Problems: Persistent nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe stomach pain, or unusual tiredness. These could be signs of liver issues and require urgent medical review.
Allergic Reaction: Rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. These are signs of a severe allergic reaction and require immediate emergency medical attention.
New or Worsening Eye Symptoms: Any sudden changes in your vision, increased eye pain, severe redness, or sensitivity to light. While these might be related to your uveitis, they warrant a check-up to ensure the condition is under control and there are no new complications.
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from cuts.
Severe Diarrhoea or Abdominal Pain: Persistent and severe gastrointestinal issues.

Always remember that your healthcare team at Pristine Eye Hospitals is here to support you. Do not hesitate to call them if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms while on Leflunomide. Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What is Leflunomide used for?

Leflunomide is an immunomodulator medicine used as a steroid-sparing therapy for chronic uveitis, which is a long-lasting inflammation inside the eye. It helps to control the inflammation and reduce the need for steroid medicines.

How does Leflunomide work?

Leflunomide works by blocking the rapid multiplication (proliferation) of certain immune cells that cause inflammation in the eye. By doing so, it helps to calm down the immune system and reduce the inflammation associated with chronic uveitis.

What are the common Indian brands of Leflunomide?

In India, Leflunomide is commonly available under the brand names Lefno and Cleft.

How is Leflunomide typically used?

Leflunomide is taken as a tablet, usually at a strength of 10 mg or 20 mg, once a day. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by your eye specialist.

Do I need a prescription for Leflunomide?

Yes, Leflunomide is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be used under the supervision of a specialist doctor.

What are the key precautions I should be aware of when taking Leflunomide?

Leflunomide is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. You will need screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis before starting. Regular liver monitoring is required, and it is teratogenic, meaning it must be avoided during pregnancy due to severe harm to an unborn baby. It should only be used under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.