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.

1. What is Aubagio?

   • Aubagio (teriflunomide) is an oral medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults.

2. How does Aubagio work?

   • Aubagio works by inhibiting the proliferation of activated lymphocytes, which helps to reduce inflammation and damage in the central nervous system.

3. Who is a candidate for Aubagio?

   • Aubagio is typically prescribed for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis who may benefit from disease-modifying therapies.

4. What are the typical dosages for Aubagio?

   • The usual starting dose is 14 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your response and tolerability.

5. What are the side effects of Aubagio?

   • Common side effects include liver enzyme elevations, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and hair thinning. Serious side effects may include liver damage and severe immune system problems.

6. How should Aubagio be taken?

   • Aubagio is taken orally, with or without food, and should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

7. Can Aubagio be taken with other medications?

   • Some medications may interact with Aubagio. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.

8. Are there any contraindications for using Aubagio?

   • Aubagio should not be used in individuals with liver disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with a history of severe allergic reactions to the drug.

9. What should I do if I miss a dose of Aubagio?

   • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.

10. How does Aubagio compare to other MS treatments?

    • Aubagio is one of several disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) available for MS, and its effectiveness and side effects can vary compared to other medications.

11. What monitoring is required while on Aubagio?

    • Regular blood tests are generally recommended to monitor liver function and blood cell counts during treatment.

12. Can Aubagio affect fertility?

    • Studies on Aubagio suggest it may affect fertility in both men and women, so it’s important to discuss family planning with your healthcare provider.

13. Is there a risk of infections while taking Aubagio?

    • Yes, Aubagio can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection.

14. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

    • Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe side effects, including yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe nausea, vomiting, or unusual bruising or bleeding.

15. Can I stop taking Aubagio suddenly?

    • It’s not recommended to stop taking Aubagio suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as this may lead to a disease relapse.

16. Is Aubagio suitable for elderly patients?

    • Aubagio can be used in elderly patients, but careful consideration regarding dosage and monitoring is essential due to potential liver issues.

17. How long does it take for Aubagio to start working?

    • Many patients may start to notice improvements within a few months of starting treatment, although full therapeutic effects can take longer.

18. Can pregnant women use Aubagio?

    • No, Aubagio is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for a time after discontinuation.

19. What happens if I overdose on Aubagio?

    • In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include liver issues and severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

20. Where can I find more information about Aubagio?

    • More information can be found on the official Aubagio website or by consulting with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.