Aubagio (teriflunomide) is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It contains an active ingredient called teriflunomide which belongs to the class of drugs called pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors.
It has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it can cause severe liver damage and risk of birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Generic name: teriflunomide
Drug class: Selective immunosuppressants
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Uses of Aubagio
It is used for treating the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. This includes the clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Aubagio does not cure multiple sclerosis.
How To Take Aubagio
Your doctor may run tests to make sure you don’t have tuberculosis or other diseases before starting Aubagio medication. Read all drug guides or instruction sheets and follow all guidelines on your prescription label. Your doctor may adjust your dose from time to time. Follow the medication’s instructions carefully.
Aubagio can be taken with or without food. Your blood pressure will need to be monitored on a regular basis. Teriflunomide can cause a reduction in the number of blood cells in your body. Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Based on the results, your therapy may be postponed.
You may need to be treated with different medications after you stop using Aubagio to help your body clear teriflunomide fast. Teriflunomide could linger in your body for up to two years if you do not follow this drug removal process. Pay attention to your doctor’s directions.
If you plan to become pregnant after stopping this treatment, you will also need to go through this drug elimination procedure. Keep away from moisture and heat. Store at room temperature.
Dosage
Aubagio comes in either 7mg or 14mg oral tablets taken once daily with or without food.
Side Effects
The following side effects can be associated with taking Aubagio. They include mild and severe side effects.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information on any potential adverse effects. They can provide you with advice on how to deal with any unpleasant side effects.
Common mild side effects include:
- numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- hair loss
- diarrhea
- joint pain
- nausea
- headache
- elevated liver enzymes
- decreased phosphate levels
- decreased levels of white blood cells
- increased blood pressure
Severe side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Liver failure
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Interstitial lung disease
Severe side effects are uncommon, but they can happen. If you experience any major side effects, contact your doctor at once. If your symptoms are life-threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number.
Precautions
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, avoid using Aubagio. Before beginning this treatment, you must have a negative pregnancy test. If you become pregnant during treatment or within two years after it ends, tell your doctor right away.
Teriflunomide has the potential to cause serious liver damage. If you have severe liver disease or are taking leflunomide (Arava), you should not take this medicine. If you have a history of liver disease, tell your doctor.
If you have upper abdominal pain, a loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to test your liver function up to 6 months before you start taking Aubagio, and then every month after that.
Teriflunomide can cause a decrease in the number of blood cells that help your body fight infections. It may be easier for you to become ill as a result of being around sick people. You may need blood tests every 6 months while taking Aubagio. Your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis as well.
Aubagio can stay in your body for up to two years after you stop taking it. To assist your body in clearing teriflunomide fast, you may need to be treated with other medications. Pay attention to your doctor’s instructions.
Aubagio Price
The average retail price for a supply of 30 tablets of Aubagio oral tablet 7 mg is around $8,980. The cost may be much lower depending on your insurance plan.
There are also Patient assistance programs (PAPs) available to low-income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines. These programs offer medications at discounted prices.
PAPs for Atripla include:
- Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) Visit Website
- MS One to One Patient Assistance Program Visit Website
Aubagio Alternatives
- Avonex
- Ocrevus
- Tecfidera
- Copaxone
- Gilenya
- Tysabri
- Lemtrada
- mitoxantrone
