Leflunomide: an immune modulating drug that may have a role in controlling secondary infections with review of its mechanisms of action.
BACKGROUND
Leflunomide (LEF) is an immune modulator used most commonly for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mechanisms of action of LEF also include anti-microbial effects, particularly anti-viral effects.


METHODS
We present three patients with atopic dermatitis on azathioprine therapy who had multiple verrucae and in two molluscum contagiosum (MC) that were resistant to repeated conventional therapies. These patients were switched to LEF, and all the patients showed complete resolution of their verrucae and MC within 2 months of starting therapy. In addition, all three patients showed equivalent to better control of their atopic dermatitis with LEF.


CONCLUSIONS
LEF has previously been reported to be a useful immune modulator for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. The spectrum of anti-viral effects previously seen with leflunomide did appear beneficial in these patients in clearing verrucae and MC, which had been resistant to conventional therapies while the patients were on azathioprine.
Kathleen J
KJ
Smith
Marguerite
M
Germain
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D060085:Coinfection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide