What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're taking leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis and need to check how much of the drug's active form, teriflunomide, is still in your blood. It's especially useful if you're planning to stop the medication, become pregnant, or are trying to conceive and need to confirm the drug has cleared your system. It's also helpful if you want to make sure your levels are in a safe, expected range while on treatment.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal reference range so you can see exactly where your teriflunomide level falls. If you're doing the drug elimination process, you'll want to retest at least 14 days after your first result to confirm the level has dropped below 20 ng/mL, since two separate tests are needed to verify clearance. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your levels across multiple tests over time. If a result looks unusually high or you feel unwell, seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently taking leflunomide who wants to confirm their drug levels are in the expected range should consider this test. It's especially important for women of childbearing age who are stopping leflunomide or planning a pregnancy, since teriflunomide can stay in the body for a long time. People switching medications or who have had side effects on leflunomide may also want to check their levels.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

If you're on leflunomide and experiencing signs of drug buildup like liver issues, unusual fatigue, nausea, or skin reactions, checking your teriflunomide level can help clarify what's going on. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or planning to stop the medication should also test regardless of symptoms, since teriflunomide can linger in the bloodstream for months without obvious signs. If you simply want reassurance that the drug has cleared before conception, this test provides that confirmation.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification when they're available in your account. If you're doing the two-test elimination confirmation, plan your second test at least 14 days after the first, keeping the same turnaround time in mind.

How can I naturally support drug clearance from my body?

Staying well hydrated and eating a balanced diet with fiber can support your body's natural elimination processes. If you're going through the cholestyramine elimination procedure, follow the pre-collection instructions on your order confirmation closely, since that medication is specifically designed to speed up how fast teriflunomide leaves your system. Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications that stress the liver, since teriflunomide is processed through liver pathways. Always follow the guidance provided with your treatment plan rather than making changes on your own.

What is teriflunomide and why does it matter?

Teriflunomide is the active substance your body makes after you take leflunomide, and it's what actually works to calm an overactive immune system in rheumatoid arthritis. It matters because it can stay in your blood for a long time — sometimes months — even after you stop taking leflunomide. Knowing your level helps confirm the drug is working as expected or has cleared your system when needed, such as before pregnancy.

What does a high teriflunomide level mean?

A high level means more of the active drug is circulating in your blood than expected, which could raise the chance of side effects like liver strain or immune suppression. This might happen if you've recently taken a dose, aren't clearing the drug efficiently, or haven't completed an elimination procedure. If your level is unexpectedly high, especially during an elimination process, retesting and following the elimination steps closely is recommended.

What causes teriflunomide levels to stay high?

Because teriflunomide is processed slowly by the body and recirculates through the liver and gut, it can take a long time to drop even after stopping leflunomide. Liver function, individual metabolism, and how long you were on the medication can all affect how quickly your levels fall. This is why a specific drug elimination procedure using cholestyramine is often needed rather than just waiting it out.

How often should I retest?

If you're confirming drug clearance before pregnancy, you'll need at least two tests spaced a minimum of 14 days apart, both showing levels below 20 ng/mL. If you're simply monitoring levels while on treatment, retesting frequency depends on your treatment plan, but many people check periodically or whenever a dose or health change occurs. Use the trends feature in your account to keep track of results over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Leflunomide Metabolite Test - Teriflunomide Drug Levels

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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