Which statement is true regarding DMARD III adverse effects?

Which statement is true regarding DMARD III adverse effects?

• A. Severe blood dyscrasia and hepatitis
• B. Hypertension
• C. Insomnia and bradycardia
• D. Nausea and mild diarrhea

Answer: (B)

Hypertension is a recognized adverse effect associated with DMARD III, particularly with the agent leflunomide, a drug commonly categorized in this group. Leflunomide inhibits pyrimidine synthesis, reducing lymphocyte proliferation, and among its side effects, elevated blood pressure appears in some patients. This makes hypertension a true characteristic to watch for with DMARD III therapy. Severe blood dyscrasia and hepatitis are more typical concerns with other DMARDs, such as methotrexate, so they don’t define the adverse-effect profile of DMARD III. Insomnia and bradycardia aren’t common hallmark effects for this group, and while nausea and mild diarrhea can occur with many medications, they don’t distinguish DMARD III as clearly as hypertension.

Hypertension is a recognized adverse effect associated with DMARD III, particularly with the agent leflunomide, a drug commonly categorized in this group. Leflunomide inhibits pyrimidine synthesis, reducing lymphocyte proliferation, and among its side effects, elevated blood pressure appears in some patients. This makes hypertension a true characteristic to watch for with DMARD III therapy.

Severe blood dyscrasia and hepatitis are more typical concerns with other DMARDs, such as methotrexate, so they don’t define the adverse-effect profile of DMARD III. Insomnia and bradycardia aren’t common hallmark effects for this group, and while nausea and mild diarrhea can occur with many medications, they don’t distinguish DMARD III as clearly as hypertension.