Leflunomide is not recommended for people who have liver disease, pregnant or nursing women, or people with immune systems weakened by a deficiency or disorder. Since leflunomide might cause birth defects, both men and women should use a reliable method of birth control while being treated with this medication. If a woman taking leflunomide wishes to become pregnant, she should stop the leflunomide, take a medication called cholestyramine for 11 days to get all the leflunomide out of her body, and then have a blood test to verify that the leflunomide is gone. Less is known about the effects of leflunomide on men planning to father children. To be safe, men should consider cholestyramine treatment before attempting to conceive.
Etanercept is given by injection under the skin twice a week.
Many people learn to give themselves injections or receive them from a family member who has received proper instruction. A kit is available from the manufacturer that makes drawing up the medicine and injecting it easier. Studies on etanercept suggest that it may cause irritation at the injection site. The studies so far have not revealed significant problems with other side effects. Etanercept should not be taken by pregnant women.