What is "leflunomide"

n. An inhibitor of pyrimidine synthesis, used to treat some forms of arthritis.

n. an anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally; can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by slowing the proliferation of white blood cells which reduces inflammation in the synovium [syn: Arava]

Leflunomide (original brand name Arava) is an immunosuppressive disease-modifying antirheumatic drug ( DMARD), used in active moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.