WARNING

Taking teriflunomide comes with potential risks, as with any medication. Some of the risks associated with teriflunomide include:

• Liver problems: Teriflunomide can cause liver damage, which may manifest as elevated liver enzymes in blood tests. Regular monitoring of liver function is typically required while taking teriflunomide.
• Risk of infections: Teriflunomide may weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and promptly report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.
• Birth defects: Teriflunomide can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking teriflunomide and undergo a “washout” procedure if planning to become pregnant.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to teriflunomide, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if any allergic reactions occur.
• Other side effects: Teriflunomide can cause various other side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, hair thinning or loss, headache, high blood pressure, weakness, and fatigue.

It’s essential for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of teriflunomide with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Additionally, adherence to monitoring recommendations and reporting any concerning symptoms promptly can help mitigate risks associated with teriflunomide therapy.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Teriflunomide is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system, which helps to decrease the frequency of MS flare-ups and slows down the progression of disability associated with the disease.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how teriflunomide is typically used:

• Dosage: The usual dosage of teriflunomide for MS is 14 mg taken orally once daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage based on your individual response to the medication and any side effects experienced.
• Administration: Teriflunomide comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth with or without food. It’s essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, at the same time each day, to maintain steady drug levels in your system.
• Contraindications: Teriflunomide is contraindicated in pregnant women, individuals with severe liver impairment, and individuals with hypersensitivity to teriflunomide or leflunomide (a related medication). Women of childbearing potential should undergo a “washout” procedure to eliminate teriflunomide from their system before attempting pregnancy.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may order regular blood tests to monitor liver function and other parameters while you’re taking teriflunomide. This helps to detect any potential side effects or adverse reactions early on.
• Adherence: It’s essential to adhere to your prescribed dosage schedule and to continue taking teriflunomide even if you feel well. Skipping doses or stopping treatment without consulting your healthcare provider can lead to worsening of MS symptoms.
• Other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking, as teriflunomide may interact with certain drugs. This includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking teriflunomide, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or seek clarification about your treatment regimen.

Other uses for this medicine

Some potential off-label uses or areas of research for teriflunomide include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Teriflunomide is structurally related to leflunomide, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have explored the potential use of teriflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis, although more research is needed in this area.
• Psoriasis: There is some evidence to suggest that teriflunomide may have efficacy in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition. Research in this area is ongoing.
• Transplant rejection: Teriflunomide’s immunomodulatory effects have led to investigations into its potential use in preventing organ transplant rejection. However, its use in this context is not yet widely established.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to follow when using teriflunomide primarily revolve around its potential side effects and interactions. Some of these precautions include:

• Liver function monitoring: Regular monitoring of liver function is important while taking teriflunomide, as the medication can cause liver problems. Your healthcare provider may order liver function tests before starting teriflunomide and periodically throughout treatment.
• Pregnancy and contraception: Teriflunomide can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while taking teriflunomide and undergo a “washout” procedure if planning to become pregnant. Men taking teriflunomide should also use contraception during treatment and for a certain period afterward.
• Infections: Teriflunomide may weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and promptly report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking, as teriflunomide may interact with certain drugs. This includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins.

Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate use, precautions, and potential side effects of teriflunomide, especially if considering its off-label use or use in combination with other medications.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions:

• Alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol intake while taking teriflunomide, as excessive alcohol consumption may exacerbate liver-related side effects.
• Grapefruit: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking teriflunomide, as it may increase the levels of the medication in your bloodstream and potentially lead to side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of teriflunomide, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it’s already close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Teriflunomide is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Like many medications, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects of teriflunomide may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Headache
• Elevated liver enzymes (as seen in blood tests)
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Back pain
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. These may include liver problems, severe allergic reactions, lung problems, and infections. It’s essential to report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Moreover, teriflunomide can also have potential effects on pregnancy, as it may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s crucial for women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception while taking teriflunomide and to undergo a “washout” procedure if they plan to become pregnant.

As always, if you have any concerns about the side effects of teriflunomide or any other medication, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of teriflunomide:

• Storage: Store teriflunomide at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of teriflunomide properly by following any specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so. Proper disposal helps prevent harm to the environment and reduces the risk of accidental ingestion by others.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of teriflunomide, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver problems, or other adverse reactions. Be sure to inform healthcare providers of the exact amount of medication taken and when it was taken.

What other information should I know?

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Teriflunomide may harm an unborn baby, so it’s crucial to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for a certain period afterward. Additionally, it’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking teriflunomide, as it may pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
• Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider may order regular blood tests to monitor liver function and other parameters while you’re taking teriflunomide. This helps to detect any potential side effects or adverse reactions early on.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking, as teriflunomide may interact with certain drugs. This includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
• Patient support: Many pharmaceutical companies offer support programs for patients taking teriflunomide, providing resources, educational materials, and sometimes financial assistance. Be sure to inquire about such programs if needed.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking teriflunomide, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or seek clarification about your treatment regimen.