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Does Leflunomide Interact with Rifampin?

Leflunomide and Rifampin have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Rifampin increases plasma concentration of teriflunomide (leflunomide's active metabolite) by 40%. Caution recommended due to potential for continued concentration increases with multiple dosing. The mechanism involves rifampin is a potent inducer of cyp450 enzymes and transporters. 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
Rifampin Class
Rifamycin Antibacterial
Management
Monitor for effects
Data Source
U.S. FDA via OpenFDA

How This Interaction Works

The interaction between Leflunomide and Rifampin occurs because rifampin is a potent inducer of cyp450 enzymes and transporters. Clinically, this means rifampin increases plasma concentration of teriflunomide (leflunomide's active metabolite) by 40%. caution recommended due to potential for continued concentration increases with multiple dosing. 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 Rifampin (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
💊 Leflunomide(Leflunomide)+💊 Rifampin(Rifampin)

Severity & Interaction Details

🟡
moderate
Be aware — moderate interaction
Documented interaction with manageable risk. May require dose adjustment or monitoring.
Severity scale
MinorContra
On record
Yes
Drug A class
Antirheumatic Agent
Drug B class
Rifamycin Antibacterial
Source
NLP:leflunomide

What this means in plain English

Rifampin increases plasma concentration of teriflunomide (leflunomide's active metabolite) by 40%. Caution recommended due to potential for continued concentration increases with multiple dosing.

What the FDA label says

"Rifampin is a potent inducer of CYP450 enzymes and transporters"

📖 Source: NLP:leflunomide

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Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.