Drug interactions
Diclofenac + Leflunomide
Severity: Moderate
Diclofenac and Leflunomide: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide, may weakly inhibit CYP2C9 and increase diclofenac exposure. Both drugs can also affect the liver, so additive hepatotoxicity is a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diclofenac and Leflunomide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Diclofenac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Weak CYP2C9 inhibition by teriflunomide reduces diclofenac clearance, with additive hepatotoxic potential.
What to do
Monitor liver enzymes and for NSAID adverse effects; use the lowest effective diclofenac dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Diclofenac
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Diclofenac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Diclofenac Major
- Acemetacin + Diclofenac Major
- Alteplase + Diclofenac Major
- Amiloride + Diclofenac Major
Other interactions of Leflunomide
- Bcg vaccine live + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Leflunomide Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Measles vaccine Contraindicated
- Leflunomide + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diclofenac with Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diclofenac and Leflunomide can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide, may weakly inhibit CYP2C9 and increase diclofenac exposure. Both drugs can also affect the liver, so additive hepatotoxicity is a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Diclofenac and Leflunomide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor liver enzymes and for NSAID adverse effects; use the lowest effective diclofenac dose.
What other medicines interact with Diclofenac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diclofenac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Diclofenac page.
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