Aubagio (Teriflunomide) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Aubagio is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is also known by its drug name, Teriflunomide. Aubagio has been shown to reduce rates of relapse and to slow the progression of disability. Aubagio is not a cure for MS.

Aubagio is not suitable for people with liver problems. Aubagio should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, women who have any chance of becoming pregnant, or by men whose partners may become pregnant. If you are taking a related drug called Leflunomide, you should not take Aubagio. Aubagio should be used with caution in people with compromised immune systems, active infections, kidney or liver problems, breathing difficulties, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of rashes caused by other medications.

Aubagio is an immunomodulatory drug, which means that it modulates the immune system. It is thought that Aubagio works by inhibiting T and B lymphocytes (also called T cells and B cells), types of white blood cell that are part of the immune system. T and B cells are responsible for causing the inflammatory process seen in MS.

How do I take it?
Aubagio is a tablet taken orally once a day, with or without food.

Before starting Aubagio, your doctor may perform tests including a skin-prick test for tuberculosis, a blood test to check your liver enzymes and white blood cell levels, and, if you are female, possibly a pregnancy test.

While you are taking Aubagio, your doctor may order a blood test once a month to check liver enzyme levels and kidney function. Your doctor may also periodically check your blood pressure and ask you about any signs of infection to ensure that you are not developing serious side effects.

You should not receive certain vaccinations while taking Aubagio or for six months after you stop taking it.

Whether you are a man or a woman, you should use effective birth control while taking Aubagio. If you or your partner become pregnant while taking Aubagio, notify your doctor immediately. They can prescribe certain medications that will quickly reduce the levels of Aubagio in your body. Since Aubagio remains in your system for eight months to two years after you stop taking it, you should ask your doctor for these medications if you decide to try to become pregnant within this time period.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Aubagio.

Results
Teriflunomide (Aubagio) was tested in clinical trials involving 2,800 people with relapsing forms of MS. In each study, Teriflunomide was proven to be significantly more effective than a placebo at reducing the risk of relapse, keeping participants relapse-free, preventing the formation of new brain lesions, and slowing the progression of disabilities.

Side effects
Rare but side effects of Aubagio may include liver damage, kidney problems, numbness or pain in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy), severe skin reactions, elevated potassium levels, breathing problems, and worsening of existing breathing problems.

The most common side effects for Aubagio are diarrhea, nausea, abnormal liver test results, hair thinning, burning or prickling sensations in the skin, and influenza. You may also bleed or bruise more easily.

Aubagio may cause major birth defects whether taken by either parent, so pregnancy should be avoided while taking it and for up to two years after you stop taking it.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of liver failure such as yellowing of skin or whites of eyes, loss of appetite and vomiting.

Also seek emergency medical help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, a rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.