Teriflunomide (By mouth)
ter-i-FLOO-noe-mide
Treats multiple sclerosis.
Drug classes
Central Nervous System Agent, Immune Modulator (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Teriflunomide is used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medicine will not cure MS, but it may slow some disabling effects and decrease the number of relapses of the disease.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with leflunomide.
Some medicines can affect how teriflunomide works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Alosetron, cefaclor, cholestyramine, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, duloxetine, furosemide, ketoprofen, methotrexate, mitoxantrone, nateglinide, penicillin G, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rifampin, rosiglitazone, theophylline, tizanidine, zidovudine A blood thinner (such as warfarin) Birth control pills Medicines that can weaken your immune system, such as steroids or cancer medicines Statin medicines to lower cholesterolTalk to your doctor before you get flu shots or other vaccines. You should not receive live virus vaccines while you take this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to teriflunomide, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Teriflunomide may stay in your blood for up to 2 years after you stop using it. Your doctor can give you medicine to remove it from your body faster, if needed. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about this.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, nerve problems, any type of infection, or a history of tuberculosis.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver problems Lung problems Increased risk of cancer Peripheral neuropathy Serious skin reactionsThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
You will need to have a test for tuberculosis before you start to use this medicine.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Cough, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Aubagio
There may be other brand names for this medicine.