RhAPPcast: Navigating Leflunomide Use in Pregnant Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome

Join Danielle Gatti Palumbo, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist and RhAPP Board member, alongside Monica Richey, NP, a renowned rheumatology specialist and educator, as they discuss a challenging and unexpected clinical case live from the RhAPP National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

This special RhAPPcast episode explores a real-world scenario of a patient who unexpectedly became pregnant while on leflunomide, highlighting the complexities of medication management in autoimmune diseases. Monica shares her initial reaction, the steps taken to initiate the cholestyramine washout protocol, and the multidisciplinary approach needed to ensure both maternal and fetal safety.

Danielle provides critical insights into the pharmacology of leflunomide, including its long half-life, the importance of drug clearance before conception, and patient counseling strategies. They also discuss broader considerations for disease management in women of childbearing age, the role of conventional DMARDs in rheumatology, and lessons learned from this case.

Recorded live at the RhAPP National Conference, this engaging discussion offers valuable takeaways for rheumatology providers navigating pregnancy risks with immunosuppressive therapies.

For more expert insights, visit RhAPP.org and explore the RhAPP ACE App for the latest in rheumatology education.