What is Aubagio, and why is it used?
Aubagio: Details on Its Use for Multiple Sclerosis, Potential Side Effects, Cost Implications, and Other Key Points
Aubagio is a medication used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), active secondary progressive MS, and clinically isolated syndrome in adults. It contains the active ingredient teriflunomide, which works by inhibiting the growth of immune cells that cause inflammation in the nervous system, reducing the frequency and severity of MS relapses.
What are the common side effects of Aubagio?
Some common side effects of Aubagio may include:
- Headache
- Hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia)
- Decreased levels of white blood cells
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Increased levels of liver enzymes
- High blood pressure
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Joint pain
These side effects usually go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they are more severe or persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there serious side effects associated with Aubagio?
Yes, Aubagio can cause serious side effects, including:
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) - with symptoms including fever, tiredness, body aches, chills, nausea, and vomiting
- High blood pressure - with symptoms including headache, fatigue or confusion, vision changes, and irregular heartbeat
- Respiratory problems, including interstitial lung disease
- Liver damage, including liver failure
- Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
- Allergic reactions
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room.
Is Aubagio safe for people with liver disease?
Aubagio is contraindicated for use in people with severe hepatic impairment due to the risk of severe liver damage. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before starting Aubagio treatment to determine if it is safe for you.
Does Aubagio interact with alcohol?
There is no known interaction between Aubagio and alcohol, but drinking alcohol while taking Aubagio might increase your risk for some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache, and may also increase your risk for liver damage. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to drink while taking Aubagio.
Can Aubagio cause cancer?
Taking medication that affects your immune system, such as Aubagio, may increase your risk for cancer, although clinical trials did not report an increase in the number of people who developed cancer while taking Aubagio. If you're concerned about developing cancer while taking Aubagio, talk with your doctor.
How often do I need to take Aubagio, and can I miss a dose?
Aubagio is taken once a day, preferably at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take a dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time or any extra doses.
Is there a generic version of Aubagio?
Yes, there is a generic version of Aubagio called teriflunomide. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs and are considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. If you are interested in switching to the generic form of Aubagio, talk to your doctor.
Sources
- Aubagio (teriflunomide) Medication Guide - Neurograph Healthcare for Neuro-Rx, Nov 30, 2017, https://www.neurographhealth.com/sites/default/files/2018-10/Aubagio_MG_rev_11-2017.pdf
- Teriflunomide (Aubagio) - American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Feb 14, 2012, https://www.ashp.org/Pharmacy-Practice/Resources/ATHCP-Reasonable-Counsel-Bulletins/Documents/ReasonableCounsel-Teriflunomide-Aubagio.pdf
- Aubagio (teriflunomide) - Merck Manual Consumer Version, Feb 3, 2023, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/immunology-disorders/multiple-sclerosis-and-related-disorders/aubagio-teriflunomide
- Teriflunomide - MedlinePlus, Aug 26, 2021, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681055.html
- Aubagio: Frequently asked questions - Multiple Sclerosis Trust, n.d., https://www.mstrust.org.uk/information/aubagio/
- Medical science has developed multiple therapies and treatments for a variety of health and wellness issues, including drugs like Aubagio for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- In the workplace-wellness sphere, it's crucial to address various medical conditions, such as MS and their associated treatments, like Aubagio, to ensure employee health and productivity.
- Aubagio, a medication for MS, contains the active ingredient teriflunomide, which inhibits the growth of immune cells that cause inflammation in the nervous system.
- By reducing the frequency and severity of MS relapses, Aubagio can improve the quality of life for individuals affected by MS.
- However, like many drugs, Aubagio comes with a list of common side effects, such as headache, hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia), decreased levels of white blood cells, nausea, diarrhea, increased levels of liver enzymes, high blood pressure, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, joint pain, and skin reactions.
- It's essential to be aware of these side effects and their potential severity, and if they persist or worsen, individuals should consult their healthcare provider.
- Aubagio also carries the risk of serious side effects, including low white blood cell count, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, liver damage, serious skin reactions, allergic reactions, and potentially life-threatening conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).
- Individuals should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
- Aubagio is contraindicated for use in people with severe hepatic impairment, due to the risk of severe liver damage.
- Before starting Aubagio treatment, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems to determine if the drug is safe for you.
- There is no known interaction between Aubagio and alcohol, but drinking alcohol while taking Aubagio might increase your risk for some side effects and liver damage.
- If you drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare provider about whether it is safe to drink while taking Aubagio.
- Taking medication that affects your immune system, like Aubagio, might increase your risk for cancer, although clinical trials did not report an increase in the number of people who developed cancer while taking the drug.
- If you're concerned about developing cancer while taking Aubagio, talk with your healthcare provider.
- Aubagio is taken once a day, preferably at about the same time each day, and individuals can miss a dose if they remember late.
- If they miss a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember, but if it's close to the time for their next dose, they should skip the missed dose and take a dose at their usual time.
- Do not take two doses at the same time or any extra doses.
- There is a generic version of Aubagio called teriflunomide, which tends to cost less than brand-name drugs and is considered as safe and effective as the original drug.
- If you are interested in switching to the generic form of Aubagio, talk to your healthcare provider.
- Proper medication management is crucial in health and wellness, and choosing generics when available can help individuals save money on their healthcare expenses.
- Fitness and exercise, nutrition, and skin care play an essential role in overall health and wellness, alongside the management of medical conditions like MS.
- Additionally, healthcare explains the importance of mental health, sexual health, family health, and aging for individuals to ensure holistic well-being.
- Autoimmune disorders like MS impact not only the individuals affected but also their families,Y stressing the importance of family health.
- Environmental science, finance, energy, leading industries like manufacturing, medicine, and cybersecurity also play a role in promoting health and wellness, from climate change awareness to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in the health and wellness sector.
- Mental health is a vital aspect of healthcare and should be prioritized in discussions surrounding workplace-wellness, men's health, and women's health.
- Parenting, cardiovascular health, retail, venture capital, personal finance, banking and insurance, fintech, real-estate, the stock market, private equity, saving, debt management, and technology are all interconnected with health and wellness in various ways.
- Gadgets and budgeting play a part in managing healthcare expenses, while artificial intelligence could revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving diagnostics, therapies, and treatments.
- Diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry, as well as leadership and encouragement of industry collaboration on topics like mental health, can foster well-rounded, equitable healthcare services.
- Non-communicable diseases like MS, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing disorders, and skin conditions require ongoing research and awareness to improve treatments and decrease their impact on public health.
- Healthcare trends and advancements in the industry, such as the potential of CBD as a treatment for neurological disorders, will continue to shape the future of medicine and health promotion.
- With the right investments, community engagement, and ongoing support, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to the healthcare and wellness resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
