Can Leflunomide Play a Role in Cytomegalovirus Disease Prophylaxis besides its Antirheumatic Effects?. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Cheng-Hsun; Tsai, Jia-Huei; Wu, Mu-Zon; Yu, Chia-Li; Hsieh, Song-Chou
• Is Part Of: Antiviral therapy. Volume 20:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Antiviral agents -- Periodicals; Antiviral Agents -- therapeutic use; Virus Diseases -- therapy; Viruses -- drug effects; Antiviral agents; Periodical; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.9106
• DOI: 10.3851/IMP2796
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6535

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 preemptive 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.