Does Leflunomide Interact with Pioglitazone?
Leflunomide and Pioglitazone have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Exposure to pioglitazone may be increased when coadministered with leflunomide. Monitor and adjust dose as required. The mechanism involves teriflunomide inhibits cyp2c8, which metabolizes pioglitazone. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Leflunomide Class
- Antirheumatic Agent
- Pioglitazone Class
- Peroxisome Proliferator Receptor alpha Agonist
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Leflunomide and Pioglitazone occurs because teriflunomide inhibits cyp2c8, which metabolizes pioglitazone. Clinically, this means exposure to pioglitazone may be increased when coadministered with leflunomide. monitor and adjust dose as required. This is classified as a moderate interaction. While it may not require stopping either medication, your healthcare provider should be aware you are taking both so they can monitor for potential effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Leflunomide and your doctor is considering prescribing Pioglitazone (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider