Aubagio's potential complications: Regular, mild, and severe
Aubagio (teriflunomide), a brand-name oral tablet, is prescribed for certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. This medication has been in use since its approval in 2012, and while it offers relief for many, it's essential to be aware of its long-term side effects and safety considerations [1].
The most common long-term side effects of Aubagio include mild to moderate hair loss (alopecia), elevated liver enzymes indicating potential liver damage, headaches, diarrhea, and nausea [4][5]. Hair loss affects up to 13% of patients but usually resolves without stopping treatment. Liver enzyme elevation requires monitoring due to the risk of liver damage.
Aubagio carries a boxed warning regarding potential harm to an unborn fetus, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy and requires effective contraception in women of childbearing potential [1]. Drinking alcohol while on Aubagio may worsen side effects or increase liver risk, though no direct interactions are known [1].
In addition to these, there have been rare cases of severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and a reaction that involves eosinophilia and affects the whole body [1]. Symptoms of severe skin reactions can include mouth blisters or sores, skin rash, redness or darkening of the skin, peeling skin, and fever.
Another significant concern is liver damage, with symptoms including jaundice, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and tiredness [1]. If test results show potential problems with the liver or symptoms of liver damage, doctors may have patients stop taking Aubagio.
Aubagio has also been associated with a risk of interstitial lung disease and increases in blood pressure, though these side effects are less common [2].
Regular liver monitoring is advised during treatment to detect any liver-related complications early. It's crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor before starting Aubagio treatment, as it may not be the right choice for those with certain medical conditions or factors that affect health [3].
Stopping Aubagio treatment was not associated with side effects in clinical trials, but symptoms from MS may worsen. If side effects become difficult to tolerate, it's essential to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. In the event of symptoms of a severe skin reaction or signs of liver damage, contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately.
In summary, the main long-term safety considerations with Aubagio involve liver health and manageable side effects like hair loss and gastrointestinal symptoms. Careful patient monitoring helps mitigate risks during extended treatment.
[1] FDA Prescribing Information for Aubagio (teriflunomide) tablets. Genzyme Corporation. 2012. [2] Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Aubagio (teriflunomide). 2021. [3] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Aubagio (teriflunomide). 2021. [4] Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Aubagio (teriflunomide) Side Effects. 2021. [5] Mayo Clinic. Aubagio (teriflunomide). 2021.
- Beyond multiple sclerosis (MS), Aubagio (teriflunomide) may potentially impact chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, mental health, skin-care, and cardiovascular health due to its effects on the immune system and certain organs.
- While Aubagio can offer relief for chronic-diseases like MS, it's important to consider potential drug interactions, as drinking alcohol may worsen side effects or increase the risk of liver damage.
- To maintain health-and-wellness while on Aubagio, patients should follow a balanced nutrition plan and consider supplements that act as immune system boosters and support overall health.
- Autoimmune-disorders, such as psoriasis, may require additional considerations when taking Aubagio, as the medication affects the immune system.
- Medical-conditions that impact liver function should be disclosed to the deciders of therapies-and-treatments, as Aubagio has a risk of liver damage and requires regular monitoring.
- Advances in science and medical-research may lead to new therapies and treatments for chronic-diseases like MS, offering alternatives to Aubagio with fewer side effects and improved safety profiles.
- In case of skin-conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, patients on Aubagio should seek immediate medical help.
- Maintaining good eye-health, hearing, and skin-care practices is essential for those taking Aubagio, as prolonged exposure to the sun, harsh chemicals, or allergens may exacerbate side effects or skin-conditions.
- Since Aubagio is contraindicated during pregnancy, women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while on treatment and be cautious about planning future pregnancies.
- Signs of liver damage should be reported to the doctor or healthcare provider, including jaundice, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and tiredness, to allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Beyond MS, Aubagio may be associated with interstitial lung disease and increases in blood pressure as potential long-term side effects, so patients should seek regular check-ups to monitor for these conditions.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, promoting mental health is equally important when dealing with chronic-diseases like MS, as stress and mental health issues can impact an individual's overall well-being and treatment response.
