Key facts about Teriflunomide
What dosages is Teriflunomide available in?
Teriflunomide is available as a 7 mg and 14 mg film-coated oral tablet.
What is Teriflunomide used for?
Teriflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
How does Teriflunomide work?
Teriflunomide is a type of disease-modifying treatment (DMT) called a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The exact way it works to treat MS isn’t well-understood. But it’s thought to calm down the immune system by blocking a specific enzyme (protein).
How do I take Teriflunomide?
Teriflunomide is typically taken by mouth once daily, with or without food.
Is it safe for me to take Teriflunomide?
Teriflunomide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you are pregnant, have severe hepatic impairment, or are currently on leflunomide treatment.
Teriflunomide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Teriflunomide include:
- Headache
- Abnormal liver tests
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Nausea
Teriflunomide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Teriflunomide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, clay-colored stool, confusion
- Infections: fever, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, cough, stomach pain, sweating, chills
- Serious allergic and skin reactions: sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swollen lymph nodes
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Teriflunomide
The following medications may interact with Teriflunomide:
- Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 and OAT3 transporters – May increase the levels of these drugs
- Oral contraceptives – May increase levels of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel
- Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 – May decrease the levels of these drugs.
- • Warfarin: Monitor INR as INR may be decreased
- • Drugs metabolized by BCRP and OATP1B1/B3 transporters: May increase levels of these drugs
- • Rosuvastatin: The dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily in patients taking Teriflunomide
Who makes Teriflunomide?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Teriflunomide safe in pregnancy?
Teriflunomide may cause harm to your unborn baby. You should take a pregnancy test before starting this medication. Use effective contraception if you can become pregnant during treatment and during a drug elimination procedure. Stop Teriflunomide and use an accelerated drug elimination procedure if you become pregnant.
