Teriflunomide
About Teriflunomide
Teriflunomide belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulatory agents indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which nerves do not function properly.
Teriflunomide contains Teriflunomide, which works by decreasing inflammation and the action of immune cells that cause nerve damage. Thus, it helps treat multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, Teriflunomide may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and hair loss. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Teriflunomide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Teriflunomide is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform the doctor about the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Teriflunomide
Medicinal Benefits
Teriflunomide belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulatory agents indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Teriflunomide contains Teriflunomide, which works by protecting the central nervous system against attacks by the immune system by limiting the increase of lymphocytes (white blood cells). This helps limit the inflammation that leads to nerve damage in multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Teriflunomide
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
Drug Warnings
Do not take Teriflunomide if you are allergic to any of its components, teriflunomide or leflunomide; if you have severe liver disease, any serious condition that affects the immune system, bone marrow problems, low blood count, serious infection, serious kidney problem which requires dialysis, or hypoproteinaemia (low levels of protein). Inform the doctor if you have liver problems, high blood pressure, infection, diabetes, breathing problems, severe skin reactions, respiratory symptoms, tuberculosis, or peripheral neuropathy. Do not take Teriflunomide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with Teriflunomide. This medicine may cause serious or life-threatening liver damage that may require a liver transplant. The risk of liver damage may be increased in people taking other medications known to cause liver damage and in people who already have liver disease. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme tiredness, lack of energy, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, or flu-like symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel), blood thinner (warfarin), lipid-lowering agent or (rosuvastatin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have severe liver disease or liver problems, any serious condition that affects the immune system like AIDS, bone marrow problems, low blood count, serious infection, or hypoproteinaemia (low levels of protein).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Teriflunomide interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeTeriflunomide belongs to pregnancy category X. Do not take Teriflunomide if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTeriflunomide may pass into breast milk. Your doctor will make a decision whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
cautionTeriflunomide may cause dizziness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionTeriflunomide is not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment. If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Teriflunomide.
Kidney
cautionDo not take Teriflunomide if you have a serious kidney problem which requires dialysis. If you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Teriflunomide.
Children
cautionTeriflunomide is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid heavily processed foods and saturated fats.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet.
- Try to stay active. Choose moderate exercises.
- Quit smoking.
- Prevent stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Avoid undergoing any vaccination while on treatment with Teriflunomide and for six months after you stop taking it.
- You must not begin taking Teriflunomide until you have taken a pregnancy test with negative results and your doctor tells you that you are not pregnant.
- Women should use effective contraception during treatment with Teriflunomide and for up to 2 years after the last dose.
- Men with partners of reproductive potential must use reliable methods of contraception during treatment with Teriflunomide.
- Regular liver function tests are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself by mistake) that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system damages the myelin sheath (protective covering surrounding the nerve cells), leading to disrupted communication between the brain and the body. People suffering from multiple sclerosis may experience loss of muscle coordination, numbness, weakness, and problems with bladder control, vision, and speech.
FAQs
Teriflunomide works by decreasing inflammation and the action of immune cells that cause nerve damage.
Teriflunomide may cause inflammation of the pancreas. Consult the doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting or pain in the abdomen.
Avoid undergoing any vaccination while on treatment with Teriflunomide and for six months after taking the last dose of it. Talk to the doctor if you are due to undergo any vaccinations.
Teriflunomide may increase blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor blood pressure levels before and during the treatment.
