Drug interactions
Leflunomide + Meloxicam
Severity: Minor
Leflunomide and Meloxicam: minor 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
Leflunomide's active metabolite inhibits CYP2C9 and may increase meloxicam exposure. Both drugs can also affect liver and hematologic parameters, and NSAIDs are commonly used with leflunomide in practice.
What this interaction means in plain words
Leflunomide and Meloxicam have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Leflunomide belongs to Musculoskeletal; Meloxicam belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Teriflunomide, the active metabolite of leflunomide, inhibits CYP2C9, which metabolizes meloxicam.
What to do
Use the lowest effective meloxicam dose and monitor for GI and renal adverse effects, along with routine liver tests for leflunomide.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Meloxicam
- Ketorolac intranasal + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Meloxicam Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Meloxicam Major
- Acemetacin + Meloxicam Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Meloxicam Major
- Alteplase + Meloxicam 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 Leflunomide with Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Leflunomide and Meloxicam have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Leflunomide's active metabolite inhibits CYP2C9 and may increase meloxicam exposure. Both drugs can also affect liver and hematologic parameters, and NSAIDs are commonly used with leflunomide in practice.
How serious is the interaction between Leflunomide and Meloxicam?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective meloxicam dose and monitor for GI and renal adverse effects, along with routine liver tests for leflunomide.
What other medicines interact with Meloxicam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meloxicam with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Meloxicam page.
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