Hair loss is a common side effect of many medications, including leflunomide. Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It works by suppressing the immune system, which can lead to hair loss in some people.
The risk of hair loss with leflunomide is generally low, but it can be more common in people who are taking high doses of the medication or who have been taking it for a long time. Hair loss typically begins within the first few months of starting leflunomide and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, hair loss is temporary and will resolve once the medication is stopped.