Teriflunomide

Generic Name: teriflunomide

Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitor [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Aubagio

11 DESCRIPTION AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) is an oral de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor of the DHO-DH enzyme, with the chemical name (Z)-2-Cyano-3-hydroxy-but-2-enoic acid-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-amide.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) is an oral de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor of the DHO-DH enzyme, with the chemical name (Z)-2-Cyano-3-hydroxy-but-2-enoic acid-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-amide.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AUBAGIO ® is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. AUBAGIO is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of AUBAGIO is 7 mg or 14 mg orally once daily. AUBAGIO can be taken with or without food. 7 mg or 14 mg orally once daily, with or without food. ( 2 ) Monitoring to Assess Safety Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels within 6 months before initiation of AUBAGIO therapy. Monitor ALT levels at least monthly for six months after starting AUBAGIO [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC) within 6 months before the initiation of treatment with AUBAGIO. Further monitoring should be based on signs and symptoms of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the prescribing information: Hepatotoxicity [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Bone Marrow Effects/Immunosuppression Potential/Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Cutaneous or Mucocutaneous Ulcers and Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Increased Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Respiratory Effects [see W...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 and OAT3 transporters: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may increase exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Teriflunomide may increase exposure of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Choose an appropriate oral contraceptive. ( 7 ) Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may decrease exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Warfarin: Monitor INR as teriflunomide may decrease INR. ( 7 ) Drugs metabolized by BCRP and OATP1B1/B3 transporters: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may increase exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Rosuvastatin: The dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily in patients taking AUBAGIO. ( 7 ) Effect of AUBAGIO on CYP2C8 Substrates Teriflunomide is an inhibitor of CYP2C8 in vivo .

Warnings

WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY Hepatotoxicity Clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with AUBAGIO in the postmarketing setting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Concomitant use of AUBAGIO with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of severe liver injury. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Elimination of AUBAGIO can be accelerated by administration of cholestyramine or activated charcoal for 11 days. ( 5.3 ) AUBAGIO may decrease WBC. A recent CBC should be available before starting AUBAGIO. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Consider suspending treatment with AUBAGIO in case of serious infection. Do not start AUBAGIO in patients with active infections. ( 5.4 ) Stop AUBAGIO if patient has anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; initiate rapid elimination. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 , 5.1 ) Pregnancy ( 4 , 5.2 , 8.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4 , 5.5 ) Current leflunomide treatment ( 4 ) AUBAGIO is contraindicated in/with: Patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary AUBAGIO is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm based on animal data [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . In animal reproduction studies in rat and rabbit, oral administration of teriflunomide during organogenesis caused teratogenicity and embryolethality at plasma exposures (AUC) lower than that at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 14 mg/day [see Data ].

Storage

Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) with excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teriflunomide used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AUBAGIO ® is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. AUBAGIO is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Teriflunomide?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the prescribing information: Hepatotoxicity [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Bone Marrow Effects/Immunosuppression Potential/Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Cutaneous or Mucocutaneous Ulcers and Impaired Wound Healing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Increased Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Respiratory Effects [see W...

Can I take Teriflunomide during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary AUBAGIO is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm based on animal data [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . In animal reproduction studies in rat and rabbit, oral administration of teriflunomide during organogenesis caused teratogenicity and embryolethality at plasma exposures (AUC) lower than that at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 14 mg/day [see Data ].

What are the important warnings for Teriflunomide?

WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY Hepatotoxicity Clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with AUBAGIO in the postmarketing setting [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Concomitant use of AUBAGIO with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of severe liver injury. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Elimination of AUBAGIO can be accelerated by administration of cholestyramine or activated charcoal for 11 days. ( 5.3 ) AUBAGIO may decrease WBC. A recent CBC should be available before starting AUBAGIO. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Consider suspending treatment with AUBAGIO in case of serious infection. Do not start AUBAGIO in patients with active infections. ( 5.4 ) Stop AUBAGIO if patient has anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; initiate rapid elimination. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 , 5.1 ) Pregnancy ( 4 , 5.2 , 8.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4 , 5.5 ) Current leflunomide treatment ( 4 ) AUBAGIO is contraindicated in/with: Patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.