Teriflunomide

Teriflunomide

Common name: teriflunomide
Product Name: Aubagio
Drug category: Selected immunosuppressants

 

What is Teriflunomide ?

Teriflunomide affects the immune system and reduces inflammation and inflammation in the nervous system.

Teriflunomide is used to treat recurrent forms of multiple sclerosis  (MS)in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing disease, and secondary progressive disease).

 

Warnings

Do not use it if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. You will need to be tested for pregnancy before starting this treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment or within 2 years after the end of your treatment.

It can cause serious liver problems. You should not use this medicine if you have severe liver disease or if you are taking leflunomide (Arava). Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease.

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of liver problems: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, black urine, or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).

Your doctor may need to check your liver function for up to 6 months before you start taking Teriflunomide, and then every month when you start taking this medication.

This medicine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick because of being with other patients. While using Teriflunomide, you may need a blood test every 6 months. Your blood pressure will also need to be checked regularly.

After you stop taking Teriflunomide, the drug can stay in your body for 2 years. You may need to be treated with other medicines to help your body get rid of teriflunomide faster. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Teriflunomide if you are allergic to teriflunomide or leflunomide, or if:

• you have severe liver disease; or
• you also take leflunomide (Arava).

Do not use Teriflunomide if you are pregnant or may be pregnant You will need to be tested for pregnancy before starting this treatment. Avoid getting pregnant until you have stopped taking the drug and undergone a “drug withdrawal” procedure to help get your body off the drug. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor right away if you miss a period or think you may be pregnant.

 

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had it:

• liver or kidney disease;
• high blood sugar;
• high blood pressure;
• skin problems when taking medication;
• fever, or uncontrollable diseases;
• respiratory problems;
• tuberculosis; or
• neurological problems, such as neuropathy.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. After you stop taking Teriflunomide, continue to use birth control until you have a blood test to make sure the medicine has been removed from your body.

If you become pregnant while taking Teriflunomide or within 2 years after quitting, your name may be added to your pregnancy register. This is to track the effect of pregnancy and to evaluate any teriflunomide effects in the baby.

If you are a man, use active birth control to prevent pregnancy if your sexual partner is also able to get pregnant. After the end of your treatment, continue to use birth control until you get medication to help your body eliminate teriflunomide.¶

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How can I take this medicine?

Before you start treatment with Teriflunomide, your doctor may perform tests to make sure that you do not have TB or other infections.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and read all medication instructions or instructions sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine as prescribed.

You can take Teriflunomide with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly.

Teriflunomide can lower your blood cell count. Your blood will need to be checked regularly. Your treatment may be delayed based on results.

After you stop taking Teriflunomide, you may need to be treated with other drugs to help your body get rid of teriflunomide faster. If you do not do this drug elimination procedure, teriflunomide can stay in your body for 2 years. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

You will also need to go through this process of discontinuing the drug if you are planning to become pregnant after you stop taking this medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Volume information

The Normal Rate for Adult Multiple Sclerosis:

7 mg or 14 mg orally once daily

Usage: Treatment of patients with recurrent forms of multiple sclerosis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose when it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overreact?

Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid contact with people who have the flu, flu, or other infectious diseases. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of infection.

Do not get a “live” vaccine while using Teriflunomide, and at least 6 months after quitting. The vaccine may not work well at this time, and it may not fully protect you from infections. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster vaccine (shingles), and runny nose ( fever).