Can leflunomide play a role in cytomegalovirus disease prophylaxis besides its antirheumatic effects?

Antivir Ther. 2015;20(1):93-6. doi: 10.3851/IMP2796. Epub 2014 May 15.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cytomegalovirus / drug effects*
  • Cytomegalovirus / physiology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / virology
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Dosage Calculations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoxazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Leflunomide
  • Viral Load / drug effects

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Isoxazoles
  • Leflunomide