Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Aubagio (Teriflunomide).
Alcohol use: Both alcohol and Aubagio (Teriflunomide) can cause liver damage. People who consume alcohol while taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may be at an increased risk of experiencing liver damage.
Birth defects: Medications similar to Aubagio (Teriflunomide) can cause major birth defects in a child whose father or mother was using it at the time of conception. If you or your partner could become pregnant, you must use a reliable method of birth control during and for up to two years after you stop taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide). Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you or your partner to become pregnant.
Blood pressure: Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may cause increased blood pressure. If you have a history of high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aubagio (Teriflunomide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: Aubagio (Teriflunomide) works on the immune system to help reduce the damage that parts of the immune system cause to the body. It can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). As a result, Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may reduce the body's ability to fight severe infections.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Avoid immunizations without your doctor's approval.
Lactose intolerance: Aubagio (Teriflunomide) contains lactose. If you have galactose intolerance (galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or Lapp lactase deficiency) you should not take Aubagio (Teriflunomide). Talk to your doctor about other alternatives.
Liver function: Aubagio (Teriflunomide) can cause severe damage to the liver, including fatal liver failure. People with reduced liver function or liver disease may be more likely to experience additional liver problems. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Aubagio (Teriflunomide), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide).
Lung inflammation: Rarely, some people taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide) have experienced lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), causing difficulty breathing. This complication can be serious and sometimes fatal. If you experience new or worsening shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever) at any time while you are taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide), contact your doctor immediately.
Pancreatitis: Rarely, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) has been reported with the use of Aubagio (Teriflunomide). If you experience signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen, tell your doctor immediately.
Vaccines: You should not receive live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, BCG, Cholera, typhoid, varicella) when you are taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide).
Pregnancy: Aubagio (Teriflunomide) is likely to cause serious harm and birth defects to the unborn baby if it is taken by a pregnant mother. It is important that Aubagio (Teriflunomide) is not used during pregnancy or by women who may become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Aubagio (Teriflunomide) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Aubagio (Teriflunomide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Aubagio (Teriflunomide) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors who use Aubagio (Teriflunomide) may be more likely to experience side effects. Discuss with your doctor whether Aubagio (Teriflunomide) is right for you.
