Can leflunomide play a role in cytomegalovirus disease prophylaxis besides its antirheumatic effects?
Leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), has shown effectiveness in many autoimmune disorders and can suppress cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in humans. Thus, it is possible for leflunomide to play a role in CMV prophylaxis or pre-emptive therapy in high-risk patients in addition to its application as a DMARD for autoimmune disorders. We describe two adult patients who developed CMV disease after administration of low-dose leflunomide. One patient was successfully treated with an increasing leflunomide dosage, resulting in a long-term suppression of serum CMV viral load.
Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Cheng-Hsun
CH
Lu
Jia-Huei
JH
Tsai
Mu-Zon
MZ
Wu
Chia-Li
CL
Yu
Song-Chou
SC
Hsieh
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D054796:Drug Dosage Calculations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077339:Leflunomide; D019562:Viral Load / Q000187:drug effects
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide