Does Aubagio work in multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Key Points
- Yes, Aubagio (teriflunomide) was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- MS is a long-term medical condition in which your immune system attacks your central nervous system.
- Aubagio comes an oral tablet given once a day, with or without food.
Aubagio works in MS by inhibiting pyrimidine synthesis leading to decreased inflammation, reduced white blood cells in the CNS, and nerve protection in MS.
Aubagio comes as an oral tablet in two strengths: 7 mg or 14 mg. It is taken orally once daily with or without food.
In the TEMSO clinical trial submitted to the FDA for approval, Aubagio significantly reduced:
- Annualized MS relapse rates at both doses of 7 or 14 mg once a day.
- Disability progression at the higher 14 mg dose (27.3% with placebo and 20.2% with teriflunomide).
- MRI evidence of disease activity, as compared with placebo.
However, in this, study there was a high drop-out rate for all active and placebo groups, ranging from 25% to 29% of participants.
The most common side effects with Aubagio include:
- elevated liver enzymes
- alopecia (hair loss)
- diarrhea
- influenza
- nausea
- paresthesia (numbness or burning sensation in legs, hands, arms, or feet).
What is MS?
Scientists believe that MS begins as an inflammatory immune-mediated disorder causing the body's immune system to attack the protective myelin sheaths around nerves in the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve.
When the myelin sheath is damaged it forms scar tissue -- also called sclerosis -- which disrupts the flow of nerve impulses, causing the symptoms of MS. Symptoms of MS can include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tremor, unsteady gait, vision problems, blurred vision, slurred speech, fatigue, dizziness, problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function.
The nerve damage that occurs with MS is not reversible or curable. However, early medical treatment and lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on a patient's quality of life.
Most people with MS will live a normal life-span.
Related questions
- Does Aubagio cause weight gain or loss?
- Who makes Aubagio and where is it made?
- Does Aubagio help with fatigue?
Bottom Line
- Aubagio (teriflunomide) was approved by the FDA in 2012 to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It comes as an oral tablet taken one time a day.
- Aubagio is an immunomodulator drug that works in MS by decreasing inflammation, lowering the number of white blood cells in the central nervous system, and protecting the nerves.
- Aubagio has been shown to decrease relapse rates in MS, slow disability progression, and reduce the number of brain lesions as detected by MRI.
This is not all the information you need to know about Aubagio (teriflunomide) for safe and effective use. Review the full Aubagio information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Aubagio (terifluamide) [Package Insert]. Revised Sept. 2019. Genzyme Corp. Canbridge, MA. Accessed June 12, 2020 at http://products.sanofi.us/Aubagio/aubagio.html
Read next
Should I take Aubagio in the morning or night?
It does not matter if you take Aubagio in the morning or at night. But you must take it at around the same time each day. So if you decide to take your Aubagio in the morning, then take it every morning. If you decide to take it at night then take it every night. If you experience fatigue, tiredness, or weakness with Aubagio, you may find it better to take it at night. Continue reading
How long can you live with multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is not generally considered life-threatening and most people will live a normal life-span. One study has found that the average life expectancy for people with MS is 76 years of age. In 2019, the U.S. life-expectancy averaged 78.8 years, but in 2020 it declined to 77.3 years, primarily due to the COVID pandemic. Many people with MS may live for 25 to 35 years or longer after their diagnosis. Continue reading
What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis?
Some of the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include weakness or numbness in one or more limbs; tremor or abnormal, uncoordinated movements while walking; slurred speech, or dizziness; double vision or the painful loss of vision in one eye; or long-lasting fatigue. Continue reading
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