How does Flaster-20 Tablet work?

Flaster-20 Tablet is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) which stops the DNA (genetic material) of the provoked immune system cells required for their survival. It thereby helps in treating inflammation, redness, and swelling at the damaged site (especially joints).

Does Flaster-20 Tablet cause diarrhoea?

Flaster-20 Tablet may cause diarrhoea. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.

How long does Flaster-20 Tablet take to work?

It might take 4-6 weeks before you notice any benefit. In some cases, it might also take 6 months for you to feel the full effect of Flaster-20 Tablet . Take Flaster-20 Tablet for as long as your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition effectually.

In which conditions should I avoid taking Flaster-20 Tablet ?

Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a weak immune system and serious infections like pneumonia, or tuberculosis (TB).

What is the best time of day to take leflunomide?

The best time to take leflunomide is usually in the morning, with food, to help minimize stomach upset. However, following your doctor's specific instructions for taking leflunomide is essential, as the optimal timing may vary depending on your needs and health status.

Is Flaster-20 Tablet a steroid?

Flaster-20 Tablet is not a steroid. It contains leflunomide, which is an immunomodulatory medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Leflunomide works by reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of the disease.

Can Flaster-20 Tablet cause weight loss?

Flaster-20 Tablet may cause weight loss as a side effect. This weight loss is usually insignificant and may be due to a loss of appetite. If you experience significant weight loss, it is essential to consult your doctor.

When should patients notify their doctor?

Patients taking leflunomide should notify their doctor if they experience any unusual symptoms, side effects, or concerns. They should also keep their doctor informed about any changes in their health or medications.

Can I plan pregnancy after stopping Flaster-20 Tablet ?

Flaster-20 Tablet takes a long time to be eliminated from your body. It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 years after stopping Flaster-20 Tablet before planning a pregnancy. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss the best plan for pregnancy after stopping Flaster-20 Tablet .

Can Flaster-20 Tablet cause cancer?

While taking leflunomide, it's reassuring to know that the risk of cancer is extremely low. Although there's a slight increase in the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, this is very rare. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor you and address any concerns. Regular check-ups make you feel confident and safe while managing your condition with leflunomide.

Flaster-20 Tablet 15's

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy

Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD

Flaster-20 Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It contains Leflunomide, which suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. This medicine may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.

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About Flaster-20 Tablet

Flaster-20 Tablet is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases characterised by joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

Flaster-20 Tablet contains 'Leflunomide', an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by suppressing the activated immune system. Thereby, it helps reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

In some cases, Flaster-20 Tablet may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, rash, and hair loss. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Do not take Flaster-20 Tablet if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, as Flaster-20 Tablet may cause serious congenital disabilities. Flaster-20 Tablet should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Flaster-20 Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution.

Uses of Flaster-20 Tablet

Flaster-20 Tablet is used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis. The detailed uses of Flaster-20 Tablet are as follows:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Flaster-20 Tablet reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; slows progression of joint damage.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Flaster-20 Tablet eases symptoms like joint inflammation and skin lesions associated with psoriasis.

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Directions for Use

Take Flaster-20 Tablet with or without food as advised by your doctor.
It is usually taken once daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
Swallow Flaster-20 Tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break it.

Medicinal Benefits

Flaster-20 Tablet relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
It inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, reducing excessive immune cell activity.
It has antiproliferative properties, helping suppress abnormal cell growth.
Flaster-20 Tablet reduces inflammation, redness, pain, and swelling in affected joints.
It improves joint function and mobility, enhancing the quality of life in arthritis patients.

How Flaster-20 Tablet Works

Flaster-20 Tablet contains 'Leflunomide' an isoxazole immunomodulatory agent which works by blocking the formation of genetic material, i.e. DNA required for survival of replicating (dividing) cells of the immune system. As a result, it suppresses the activated immune system to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. • Keep out of sight and reach of children. • Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Side effects of Flaster-20 Tablet

Loose And Watery Stools

Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:

Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.

Indigestion

Here are the step-by-step strategies to manage the side effects of "indigestion" caused by medication usage:

Take medications with food (if recommended): It can help prevent stomach distress and indigestion.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Divide daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.
Avoid trigger foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger indigestion, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
Stay upright after eating: Sit or stand upright for at least 1-2 hours after eating to prevent stomach acid from flowing into the oesophagus.
Avoid carbonated drinks: Avoid drinking carbonated beverages, such as soda or beer, which can worsen indigestion.
Manage stress: To alleviate indigestion, engage in stress-reducing activities like deep breathing exercises or meditation.
Consult a doctor if needed: If indigestion worsens or persists, consult a healthcare professional to adjust the medication regimen or explore alternative treatments.

Respiratory Infection

Hair Loss

Eat protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
Include foods with minerals and vitamins essential for hair health.
Join a support group to connect with others experiencing hair loss.
Openly discuss your feelings about hair loss.
Consider covering up with wigs, hats, or scarves.
Be patient and avoid seeking miracle cures.

Headache

Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:

Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.

Rash

Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.

Loss of appetite

What if I have taken an overdose of Flaster-20 Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Flaster-20 Tablet as it may cause an overdose. The symptoms of overdose include weakness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, pale skin, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath and fast heartbeat. If you suspect you have taken an overdose or notice signs of overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Warnings

Do not take Flaster-20 Tablet if you are allergic to leflunomide, have severe liver or kidney problems, low levels of protein in the blood, immune system problems, bone marrow problems, or serious infections.
Flaster-20 Tablet is not recommended to be used in pregnant women, lactating mothers and people below 18 years of age.
Talk to your doctor before taking Flaster-20 Tablet if you have/had serious infections like interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the lungs), tuberculosis (TB), or pneumonia.
Flaster-20 Tablet may cause dizziness, so drive with caution.
Flaster-20 Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections; notify the doctor if you develop infections, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.

Drug-Drug Interactions

LeflunomideAspirin

Severe

LeflunomideAmiodarone

Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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LeflunomideAspirin

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Coadministration of aspirin and Flaster-20 Tablet can increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between aspirin and Flaster-20 Tablet, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, less desire to eat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

LeflunomideAmiodarone

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Coadministration of amiodarone with Flaster-20 Tablet may raise the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between Amiodarone and Flaster-20 Tablet, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, less desire to eat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

LeflunomideLenalidomide

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Combining Lenalidomide with Flaster-20 Tablet can increase the risk and severity of side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Lenalidomide and Flaster-20 Tablet together can evidently cause an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has suggested it. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include infection, liver problems, fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, pain, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or bleeding. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.

LeflunomideBenazepril

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Flaster-20 Tablet can cause liver issues, and combining it with other drugs, such as benazepril, can enhance the risk.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Flaster-20 Tablet with Benazepril can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you notice any of these symptoms - fever, joint pain, rash, or feeling sick, make sure to call your doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

LeflunomideHydrocortisone

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
The combined use of Flaster-20 Tablet and Hydrocortisone can increase the risk of infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Flaster-20 Tablet and hydrocortisone can lead to an interaction, it can be taken if advised by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms like fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination, consult the doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.

LeflunomideBrentuximab

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Combining Brentuximab vedotin with Flaster-20 Tablet can increase the risk of negative side effects.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Flaster-20 Tablet and Brentuximab, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - liver problems, infection, fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, pain, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine or bleeding - contact your doctor right away." Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your doctor.

LeflunomideClotrimazole

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Coadministration of Flaster-20 Tablet with clotrimazole can increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Clotrimazole with Flaster-20 Tablet may possibly result in an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, light coloured stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult your doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting your doctor.

LeflunomideCertolizumab

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Combining Certolizumab pegol with Flaster-20 Tablet can increase the risk of adverse effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Flaster-20 Tablet with Certolizumab can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include feeling tired, dizzy, or lightheaded, having pale skin, experiencing frequent bleeding or bruising, having a fever or chills, having diarrhea or a sore throat, feeling muscle aches, having trouble breathing, losing weight unexpectedly, or feeling pain or burning when you urinate. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting your doctor.

LeflunomideLenvatinib

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Taking Flaster-20 Tablet and lenvatinib can increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Flaster-20 Tablet with Lenvatinib together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience fever, feeling cold, joint discomfort, swelling, bruising, skin irritation, itching, not feeling hungry, tiredness, feeling sick, stomach ache, dark urine, liver harm, or bleeding. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

LeflunomideIbrutinib

Severe

How does the drug interact with Flaster-20 Tablet:
Co-administration of Ibrutinib and Flaster-20 Tablet can increase the risk of developing serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Ibrutinib can be taken with Flaster-20 Tablet, if prescribed by the doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle pains, breathing difficulty, blood in your coughing fluid, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, and discomfort or burning when you urinate, consult a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.

Drug-Food Interactions

No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

ANTIRHEUMATICS

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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Flaster-20 Tablet . Alcohol intake, along with Flaster-20 Tablet , may cause liver disease.

Pregnancy

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Flaster-20 Tablet while you are pregnant. Flaster-20 Tablet may cause serious birth defects.

Breast Feeding

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Flaster-20 Tablet while you are breastfeeding. Flaster-20 Tablet passes into breast milk.

Driving

Caution

Flaster-20 Tablet may cause dizziness and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

Liver

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking Flaster-20 Tablet .

Kidney

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Flaster-20 Tablet .

Children

Unsafe

Flaster-20 Tablet is not approved for children under the age of 18 years.

Heart

Avoid taking Flaster-20 Tablet if you have any cardiac problems. If prescried, caution should be exercised while taking Flaster-20 Tablet .

Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Please consult a doctor before giving Flaster-20 Tablet to geriatric patients.

FAQs

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Guruvappa Street Old No.10, New No, 13, Old Washermanpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600021.

Other Info - FLA0415

Author Details

Written By

Santoshini Reddy G

M Pharmacy

Reviewed By

Dr Aneela Siddabathuni

MPharma., PhD

Last Updated

Nov 18, 2025 | 7:33 AM IST

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