Arthritis drug to be fully funded

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers will soon have the option of another drug fully funded by the government agency Pharmac.

Leflunomide will be listed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis from May 1.

Pharmac says the drug not only treats the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it is also a disease modifying anti rheumatic drug that targets the underlying cause.

- NZPA