Aubagio
(Teriflunomide)
Treats relapsing types of multiple sclerosis.
Our bottom line
Aubagio (Teriflunomide) significantly improves many symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which may not be seen with some other MS medications.
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Aubagio (Teriflunomide) can help reduce the number of flare-ups, slow physical changes, and decrease new brain lesions.
- Aubagio (Teriflunomide) comes as a pill instead of an injection.
- You only need to take Aubagio (Teriflunomide) once a day, with or without food.
What to expect from Aubagio, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
23Downsides
- Can cause temporary hair loss but it will grow back after stopping.
- You'll need blood tests before and during treatment to make sure you don't develop any liver problems while taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide).
- Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may stay in your blood for up to 2 years after taking it, so it is important to discuss a plan with your doctor in case it's not the right medication for you.
- You can't take Aubagio (Teriflunomide) if you're pregnant, have severe liver damage, or are currently taking Arava (leflunomide).
What to expect from Aubagio, on one page
Download Fact SheetAubagio (Teriflunomide) is an immune modulator. It's not known exactly how it works for MS, but it seems to lower the white blood cells that destroy nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.What to expect when you take Aubagio (Teriflunomide) for Multiple sclerosis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Burning or prickling sensation in hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Joint pain
Side effect rates for Aubagio (Teriflunomide)
- Headache18%18%15%15%
- Abnormal liver enzymes13%13%9%9%
- Diarrhea13%13%8%8%
- Hair loss10%10%5%5%
- Nausea8%8%7%7%
- Burning or prickling sensation in hands, arms, legs, or feet8%8%7%7%
- Joint pain8%8%5%5%
- Low white blood cells4%4%6%6%
- High blood pressure3%3%4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Aubagio.
People taking Aubagio felt side effect more
People taking Aubagio felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Aubagio (Teriflunomide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking medicines that affect your liver or cause liver injury
Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may cause serious liver problems, which can be life-threatening. Blood tests will be done to check your liver health before starting Aubagio (Teriflunomide), and then once a month for 6 months after starting Aubagio (Teriflunomide). Tell your doctor right away if you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, yellowing of your skin/whites of your eyes, or dark urine.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Aubagioon 3/26/2020I take it after breakfast55WomanA year or soMultiple sclerosis
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Aubagioon 7/26/2019I take it with dinner.61WomanTwo years or moreMultiple sclerosis
- Not the best choice if you have liver problems or if you take medicine that affects the liver.
- Liver blood tests need to be done before and for 6 months after you start taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide).