Medications like leflunomide and methotrexate are frequently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ischemic heart disease because they reduce inflammation and joint damage. Regular blood tests and doctor follow-up are crucial since long-term use of these medications can cause adverse effects such as liver difficulties, decreased blood counts, infections, mouth ulcers, lung irritation, and occasionally renal problems. The benefit of managing severe rheumatoid arthritis typically outweighs the generally minimal risk of malignancy from these medications. Your mother should abstain from alcohol, take her medications exactly as directed, and notify her doctor right away if she experiences symptoms like fever, a bad cough, yellowing of the eyes, unusual bleeding, or extreme weakness.