Teriflunomide is an antineoplastic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved on 9 Dec 2012, for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Teriflunomide helps to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to communication problems between the brain and the body. This can result in various symptoms, including leg weakness, difficulty walking, lack of coordination, and vision problems. It helps to prevent relapses and slows down the progression of the disease by limiting the function of specific immune cells that cause nerve damage.

Take the Teriflunomide as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the capsule if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Teriflunomide are increased liver enzymes, hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, inflammation of pancreas, and paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation). Some serious side effects include allergic reaction, and severe rash.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Inform your physician if you have high blood pressure, alcohol addiction, skin problems, breathing problems, or intolerance to certain sugars. These conditions may need special consideration when taking this medication. If you are about to receive vaccinations or specific blood tests (such as a calcium level test), it's important to inform your physician before taking Teriflunomide. Some medications can interact with vaccines or affect test results.

Teriflunomide is not recommended in individuals with severe liver or kidney disorders, serious infections, bone marrow disorders, immune system disorders (such as AIDS), or very low proteins in your blood. These conditions could interact with the medication or worsen its effects. This drug is unsafe to consume during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby and increase the risk of birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, you must inform your physician immediately. Consuming this medicine during breastfeeding is unsafe because it tends to get excreted in human milk. 

Tell your doctor immediately about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal and supplements, before taking Teriflunomide. If you forget to take this medicine for the entire day, take your usual dose the next day. However, do not double-dose yourself. Throw away medicines that are no longer needed or are out-of-date.

1. Sanofi Genzyme, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2022] [ Accessed on 11 August 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5244.pdf
2. Genzyme Corporation, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Sept 2012] [ Accessed on 11 August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202992s000lbl.pdf
3. Amit Bar-Or et al; Teriflunomide and Its Mechanism of Action in Multiple Sclerosis; Drugs; [Published on 17/04/2014] [Accessed on 11/08/2023] https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40265-014-0212-x.pdf

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.