- What is teriflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for teriflunomide?
- Is teriflunomide available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for teriflunomide?
- What are the side effects of teriflunomide?
- What is the dosage for teriflunomide?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with teriflunomide?
- Is teriflunomide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about teriflunomide?
What is teriflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Teriflunomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent used for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme used to make pyrimidine which is used to build DNA. The exact mechanism of action of teriflunomide in the treatment of MS is unknown. However, it is thought to reduce the over activation of the immune system by decreasing the number of white blood cells (T and B lymphocytes) in the central nervous system. Teriflunomide decreases the number of MS relapses. The FDA approved teriflunomide in September 2013.
What are the side effects of teriflunomide?
The most common side effects associated with teriflunomide treatment are
- alopecia (hair thinning or loss),
- diarrhea,
- influenza,
- paresthesia (tingling, burning, prickling or pricking sensations of the skin),
- and increase in liver enzymes.
Serious liver injury, kidney problems, decrease in white blood cell counts, risk for serious infections such as
- tuberculosis, increase in blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia),
- increase in blood pressure, breathing problems,
- and serious skin problems were also reported in clinical studies.
What is the dosage for teriflunomide?
The recommended dose is one 7 mg or 14 mg tablet once daily with or without food. Note that a monthly blood test for liver enzyme measurements for 6 months is recommended to detect potential liver problems (see side effects section).
Which drugs or supplements interact with teriflunomide?
Teriflunomide may increase blood levels of
- repaglinide (Prandin),
- paclitaxel, pioglitazone (Actos),
- or rosiglitazone (Avandia).
Teriflunomide may also decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) and increases the risk for blood clots.
Teriflunomide may increase the effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel.
Teriflunomide may decrease the blood levels of drugs such as
- duloxetine (Cymbalta),
- alosetron (Lotronex),
- theophylline (Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair),
- and tizanidine that are metabolized by the CYP1A2 liver enzymes.
Blood levels of teriflunomide may be increased by
- cyclosporine,
- eltrombopag,
- and gefitinib (Iressa).
SLIDESHOW
What Is Multiple Sclerosis? MS Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis See SlideshowIs teriflunomide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether teriflunomide is secreted into breast milk.
Summary
teriflunomide (Aubagio) is a prescription drug prescribed to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in individuals with MS. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder in which brain and spinal cord nerve cells become demyelinated. This damage results in symptoms that may include numbness, weakness, vertigo, paralysis, and involuntary muscle contractions. Different forms of MS can follow variable courses from relatively benign to life-threatening. MS is treated with disease-modifying therapies. Some MS symptoms can be treated with medications.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms and Treatments
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary from person to person and can last for days to months without periods of remission. Symptoms of MS include sexual problems and problems with the bowel, bladder, eyes, muscles, speech, swallowing, brain, and nervous system. The early symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis usually start between ages 20-40. MS in children, teens, and those over age 40 is rare. Treatment options for multiple sclerosis vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to manage MS symptoms.
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Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Contagious?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a degenerative disease of the covering around the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers and doctors don't know the exact cause, but many theorize that it may be due to environmental triggers, an autoimmune disease, and viruses (infections). Symptoms and signs of MS include vision changes, paralysis, vertigo, heat intolerance, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence (the inability to urinate). There's no vaccine or cure for MS, but the progression and symptoms of the disease can be treated.
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Alternative Treatment (CAM) for MS
The term alternative therapy, in general, is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that range from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Antidepressants (Depression Medications)
- prednisone
- acetaminophen
- aspirin
- clonazepam
- methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- diazepam (Valium, Diastat, Acudial, Diastat Pediatric, Diazepam Intensol)
- tizanidine
- Interferon: Potential COVID-19 Treatment
- baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal)
- Types of Multiple Sclerosis Medications and Treatments
- amantadine (Symmetrel - Discontinued)
- mitoxantrone (Novantrone)
- dalfampridine, Ampyra
- fingolimod (Gilenya)
- natalizumab - injection, Tysabri
- dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
- Aubagio (teriflunomide)
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.