The main differences between Leflunomide and Diclofenac Sodium lie in the role, indications, adverse reactions, contraindications and precautions.
1. Function: Leflunomide is an immunosuppressant, mainly inhibiting the activity of dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase, interfering with pyrimidine synthesis of activated lymphocytes, and also has anti-inflammatory effect; diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, mainly inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase activity, preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, and it has the effect of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic.
2. Indications: Leflunomide is suitable for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis; diclofenac sodium is suitable for acute arthritis, gout attacks and other inflammatory pain, dysmenorrhea, inflammation and postoperative pain of minor surgery.
3. Adverse reactions: Leflunomide can cause alopecia, herpes zoster, transaminase elevation, leukocyte decline, etc.; diclofenac sodium can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, perforation, etc..
4. Contraindications: Leflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe immunodeficiency, such as AIDS; patients with severely impaired bone marrow function or severe anemia, leukopenia, etc. Diclofenac sodium is contraindicated in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
5. Precautions: Leflunomide is not recommended to be used in combination with hepatotoxic or hematotoxic anti-rheumatic drugs such as methotrexate; diclofenac sodium to avoid combining with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
All the above drugs should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate to avoid adverse consequences.