Can I conceive after taking Lefra?

Q: I am 35 years old, suffering from joint pains and had taken Lefra 20 for one month last month. Can I go in for pregnancy now?

A:Lefra is the brand name given by the manufacturer. The actual name of the medicine is leflunamide. It is to be used only in confirmed cases of rheumatoid arthritis and not undiagnosed cases of joint pains. While on Lefra, it is mandatory to use contraception and usually for two years after therapy has ended.For women wanting to conceive earlier, the plasma levels of A771726 need to be determined. If the level is more than 0.02 mg/L, then a ‘wash out’ procedure has to be gone through under specialist supervision and guidance. Cholestyramine 8 g to be administered three times a day for a cumulative period of 11 days or 50 g of activated charcoal four times daily for 11 days. Conception is to be avoided till the A771726 plasma level falls below 0.02 mg/L since there is significant risk to the baby.