Teriflunomide
Uses of Teriflunomide
Teriflunomide is commonly used to treat Multiple Sclerosis (Ms), Relapsing Forms Of Multiple Sclerosis (Ms).
How Teriflunomide Works
Teriflunomide is an immunomodulator which is able to inhibit the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and prevent pyrimidine synthesis. This mechanism is able to help to immunomodulate patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
Side Effects of Teriflunomide
Headache, Nausea, Diarrhea, Liver enzyme dysfunction, Loss of hair, Prone to infections, Decreased neutrophil count, Anaemia, Allergy reactions, Nerve problems, Abdominal pain, Joint/Bone/Muscle ache
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment without dialysis. However, the use of Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment who are undergoing dialysis. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Concomitant use of alcohol and Teriflunomide may increase the risk of liver enzyme dysfunction. Thus, it is not advisable to consume alcohol with Teriflunomide. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Not Safe - High Risk
Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicities but there are a limited amount of data on Teriflunomide effect on pregnant women. Teriflunomide may cause severe birth defects if used during pregnancy, thus it is contraindicated in pregnant women.
Driving Generally Safe
Teriflunomide usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Use With Care
No dosage adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. However, the use of Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Not Advisable
Animal studies have shown excretion of Teriflunomide in milk but there are no data on breastfeeding women. Thus, it is not advisable to be used during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
