Ataris (Leflunomide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ataris Used For?
Ataris contains leflunomide, an immunosuppressive medicine that works by reducing the activity of your immune system to treat certain types of arthritis.
Primary Uses
Ataris is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It helps slow down joint damage and relieves symptoms like joint tenderness, swelling, pain, and morning stiffness.
How It Works
Ataris works by selectively interfering with white blood cells called lymphocytes, preventing them from producing the disease response that leads to pain, inflammation, and joint damage.
Good to know: Ataris helps control your condition and slow joint damage, though it does not cure arthritis. You must take it every day as prescribed.
How to Take Ataris
Take Ataris exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosing schedule includes a higher starting dose followed by a lower maintenance dose.
Dosage Instructions
The standard dose is 100 mg per day for the first 3 days, then one 10 mg or 20 mg tablet daily. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water at about the same time each day. You can take it with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop taking Ataris or change your dosage without checking with your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- rashes and itchy skin
- hair loss
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- numbness or tingling of skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- fever or signs of infection
- severe skin rash or mouth sores
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- easy bleeding or bruising
- severe upper stomach pain
- new or worsening cough or breathing trouble
- blisters and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- skin ulcers
- allergic reaction symptoms (swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, hives, fainting)
Important Warnings
Ataris has several important warnings and contraindications that you must discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Ataris
Do not use Ataris if you: are allergic to leflunomide or teriflunomide; have diseases that reduce your body’s natural defenses; have blood diseases; have serious skin disorders; have liver disease; have hypoproteinaemia (low blood protein); are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or not using reliable birth control; are breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: decreased white blood cell count; liver or kidney problems; chronic infections; illness that lowered your resistance to disease; tuberculosis; lung problems like interstitial lung disease; or if you plan to have surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You must not become pregnant while taking Ataris and for a certain period after stopping. Ataris may increase the risk of birth defects. Women of childbearing potential must use reliable contraception. Do not breastfeed while taking Ataris as it passes into breast milk.
Pregnancy Risk: If you become pregnant while taking Ataris, stop taking it immediately and tell your doctor. You may need a wash-out procedure to remove the medicine from your body.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ataris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- medicines used for diabetes
- medicines used to treat epilepsy
- medicines used to treat tuberculosis
- medicines used to lower cholesterol
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption while taking Ataris, and be aware of side effects that may affect your ability to drive safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. It is recommended that you minimize your alcohol intake while taking Ataris, as the effects of alcohol could be made worse.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ataris may cause dizziness and unusual tiredness or weakness. Be careful when driving or operating machinery if you experience these side effects.
Storage
Store Ataris in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep tablets in their original container until it’s time to take them. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Ataris, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ataris helps slow down joint damage and relieve arthritis symptoms, but the source doesn’t specify exact timing. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Yes, you can take Ataris with or without food. Take it at about the same time each day with a full glass of water.
Do not stop taking Ataris or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. The medicine helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it, so you must take it every day as prescribed.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. It’s recommended that you minimize your alcohol intake while taking Ataris, as the effects of alcohol could be made worse.
If you miss a dose and there’s still a long time before your next dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
Tell your doctor if you need a vaccination during treatment with Ataris or for 6 months after stopping treatment, as this immunosuppressive medicine may affect your body’s response to vaccines.
Your doctor may need to take blood samples to monitor the health of your liver and blood cells while you’re taking Ataris, especially if you develop symptoms like yellowing skin or easy bruising.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.