Teriflunomide
Description
Teriflunomide is used for the reduction of frequency of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord) in adult patients. It also helps to slow down the worsening of disability in such patients. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Teriflunomide
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
- Lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Muscle twitching
- Fast heartbeat
- Joint pain
- Eye redness
Uses of Teriflunomide
What is it prescribed for?
- Multiple sclerosis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of liver damage. Report any signs and symptoms of liver damage such as chills, fever, skin rash, joint pain, unusual bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, yellowing of eyes, etc. to the doctor immediately.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to teriflunomide or any other inactive ingredient present along with it.
Severe Hepatic impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Leflunomide
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients receiving treatment with leflunomide due to the increased risk of adverse effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Vaccination
Vaccination with live vaccines is not recommended during Teriflunomide treatment. Your doctor may advise you to postpone treatment either of the vaccine or the medicine based on your clinical condition.
Hypertension
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with increased blood pressure due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of blood pressure levels is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Risk of infections
Use of this medicine may weaken the immune system and may make you more vulnerable to infections. It is advised that you avoid coming in contact with people suffering from an infection while receiving this medicine.
Skin reactions
Use of this medicine may cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, etc. in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Lung impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of interstitial lung disease presenting with acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation due to the increased risk of the lung toxicity. Close monitoring of lung function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Driving or operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause dizziness, tiredness, blurring of vision, etc. in some patients. Hence, it is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms.
Immunosuppression
This medicine should be used with caution in immunosuppressed patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. A complete blood count should be performed before initiating treatment with this medicine. Close monitoring of blood counts is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver impairment.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of liver damage. Report any signs and symptoms of liver damage such as chills, fever, skin rash, joint pain, unusual bleeding, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, yellowing of eyes, etc. to the doctor immediately.
Interaction with Medicine
Ondansetron
Propranolol
Valsartan
Budesonide
Diclofenac
Aspirin
Disease interactions
Peripheral Neuropathy
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with peripheral neuropathy (a condition that results from nerve damage) due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Tuberculosis
Patients should be screened for active or latent tuberculosis before beginning treatment with this medicine. Patients with positive tuberculosis screening should be monitored carefully during treatment with this medicine for any reactivation of the infection.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with or without food, as advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine reduces the inflammation and also blocks the action of certain immune cells that damage the nerve cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Selective immunosuppressants
Schedule
Schedule H
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[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2019 [cited 21 March 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Products.sanofi.ca. 2019 [cited 22 March 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 May 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.