| Common Brands | Aubagio |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Aubagio is an oral prescription drug for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, disabling disease affecting the central nervous system with autoimmune causes.
The medication contains the active ingredient known as teriflunomide, which is an immunomodulator.
This drug operates by inhibiting the abnormal overreacting immune response that destroys the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in MS. Aubagio is manufactured by Genzyme, which is a subsidiary of Sanofi, and is presented in tablet form for oral administration.
Aubagio is administered by tablet form and must be taken orally once daily without regard to food. Patients are therefore expected to adhere to the prescribed dosage and seek utmost benefit in consistent intake at the same time each day.
The usual recommended dose of Aubagio depends on the medical condition of the person, the response to treatment, and tolerance. For most people, it is 7 mg or 14 mg.
The patient should swallow the tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. In case of a missed dose, the patients should take the missed dose as soon as they remember but should not double the dose for missing one.
Before the beginning of Aubagio, patients are expected to undergo a series of tests for evaluating liver functions, and other factors that may need assessment include kidney functions, blood pressure, and a baseline screening for infections since the drug affects the immune system.
Aubagio works by modulating the immune system so that the immune system will not attack the body’s own cells.
Much of this is in relation to multiple sclerosis. The active ingredient in Aubagio is teriflunomide, which acts mainly by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme which catalyzes a reaction in pyrimidines that is fundamental for the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
When it inhibits this enzyme, teriflunomide limits the activation and proliferation of immune cells that are said to be part of T- and B-lymphocytes; they are associated with the immune response that damages myelin.
This alleviates the activation of these immune cells that leads to or amplifies inflammation in the central nervous system, thereby causing MS
Like all medications, Aubagio can cause side effects. Some of the common side effects include:
Headache: One of the more common side effects, occurring in a proportion of patients under treatment with Aubagio.
Diarrhea: A few people may develop some gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach.
Rash: A rash or other skin reactions can occur. However, these are generally mild.
Increased blood pressure: Aubagio may cause an increase in blood pressure, so regular monitoring is recommended.
Serious side effects, although less common, can include:
Severe liver damage: Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain.
Infections: Aubagio can compromise the immune system, which makes users more susceptible to infections. Those under Aubagio prescription should be careful of exposing themselves to infections and should inform the doctor in case they experience symptoms of infection.
Patients on Aubagio prescription should discuss any pre-existing diseases or allergies with their doctor prior to taking the prescribed medication. Warnings and precautions include:
Liver disease: Aubagio may cause liver damage, especially in patients with a history of liver disease. Blood tests monitoring the liver function should be conducted both before starting and during therapy.
Infections: Aubagio can weaken the immune system, thus, Aubagio should be used with caution in patients with active infections or those who have recently had an infection.
Toxicity: Since Aubagio can affect the immune system and has a harmful effect on the liver, the medicine has to be prescribed and monitored by an experienced doctor for MS treatment.
Immunosuppressive Drugs: Combining Aubagio with other immunosuppressive medications (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine) may increase the risk of infections or other immune-related issues due to further suppression of the immune system.
Live Vaccines: Aubagio may reduce the effectiveness of live vaccines and increase the risk of infections. It is recommended to avoid live vaccines during treatment and for at least 6 months after stopping Aubagio.
Warfarin (Anticoagulants): Aubagio can interact with blood thinners like warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood clotting is necessary.
Cholestyramine or Activated Charcoal: These medications may interfere with the elimination of Aubagio from the body, potentially reducing its effectiveness or leading to increased side
Aubagio is administered orally at a typical dose of 7 mg per day for adults, which may be raised to the maximum of 14 mg per day in the case of tolerance. It will reduce the risk of potential side effects and especially issues related to the liver for the new patient starting at the lower end of 7 mg.
Dosage may also have to be adjusted in patients with liver conditions and those on other medications that could interact with Aubagio. It is also a must for patients to strictly adhere to the prescription of their physician on the proper intake of the medication.
Aubagio Prescription should only be used under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
To this end, doctors will conduct baseline tests before prescribing Aubagio to check liver function, kidney function, and the overall health status. Follow-up visits and lab tests would be necessary to monitor for side effects and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Other medications also need to be reported to a physician because drug interactions can occur with some other prescribed medications. For instance, Aubagio may interact with other drugs that impact the liver enzymes; consequently, the doctor may alter their dose or recommend alternative treatment in some cases.
What is Aubagio?
How does Aubagio work?
Who is a candidate for Aubagio?
What are the typical dosages for Aubagio?
What are the side effects of Aubagio?
How should Aubagio be taken?
Can Aubagio be taken with other medications?
Are there any contraindications for using Aubagio?
What should I do if I miss a dose of Aubagio?
How does Aubagio compare to other MS treatments?
What monitoring is required while on Aubagio?
Can Aubagio affect fertility?
Is there a risk of infections while taking Aubagio?
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
Can I stop taking Aubagio suddenly?
Is Aubagio suitable for elderly patients?
How long does it take for Aubagio to start working?
Can pregnant women use Aubagio?
What happens if I overdose on Aubagio?
Where can I find more information about Aubagio?
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