Akkerit

Akkerit is a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and works by suppressing the immune system's activity, which in turn reduces inflammation and joint damage. The active ingredient in Akkerit is leflunomide.

Leflunomide is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, teriflunomide, in the body. Teriflunomide inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of pyrimidines. Pyrimidines are building blocks for DNA and RNA, and their reduced availability slows down the proliferation of activated lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in autoimmune inflammatory processes. By limiting the number of these cells, Akkerit helps to decrease inflammation and slow the progression of joint disease.

Akkerit is typically taken orally once a day. It can be initiated with a loading dose to achieve therapeutic levels more quickly, followed by a maintenance dose. The effects of Akkerit may not be apparent immediately, and it can take several weeks to months to observe the full benefit. It is important to take Akkerit exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Akkerit can include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, rash, and hair loss. More serious side effects, though less common, can involve liver problems, bone marrow suppression, and severe skin reactions. Due to the immunosuppressive nature of the drug, patients taking Akkerit may be at an increased risk of infection. Regular monitoring through blood tests is often recommended to check for potential adverse effects. Akkerit is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects.