Key takeaways
Methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo) and leflunomide (Arava) are both used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but they have some key differences. Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that can be used for both cancer and non-cancer conditions, while leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) specifically for RA. Methotrexate is taken as an oral tablet or given as an injection once per week, whereas leflunomide is taken orally once a day. Methotrexate can cause side effects like low white blood cells and mouth sores, while leflunomide can cause stomach upset, hair loss, and high blood pressure. Methotrexate is also used to treat various cancers, unlike leflunomide, which is only for RA. Both medications can cause serious side effects, including liver damage and infections, but leflunomide can stay in your body for up to two years after stopping it, which is not the case with methotrexate.
