TERIFLUNOMIDE belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulatory agents indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which nerves do not function properly.
TERIFLUNOMIDE contains Teriflunomide, which works by decreasing inflammation and the action of immune cells that cause nerve damage. Thus, it helps treat multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, TERIFLUNOMIDE may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and hair loss. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take TERIFLUNOMIDE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. TERIFLUNOMIDE is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform the doctor about the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Multiple sclerosis
TERIFLUNOMIDE belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulatory agents indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. TERIFLUNOMIDE contains Teriflunomide, which works by protecting the central nervous system against attacks by the immune system by limiting the increase of lymphocytes (white blood cells). This helps limit the inflammation that leads to nerve damage in multiple sclerosis.
Do not take TERIFLUNOMIDE if you are allergic to any of its components, teriflunomide or leflunomide; if you have severe liver disease, any serious condition that affects the immune system, bone marrow problems, low blood count, serious infection, serious kidney problem which requires dialysis, or hypoproteinaemia (low levels of protein). Inform the doctor if you have liver problems, high blood pressure, infection, diabetes, breathing problems, severe skin reactions, respiratory symptoms, tuberculosis, or peripheral neuropathy. Do not take TERIFLUNOMIDE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult the doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with TERIFLUNOMIDE. This medicine may cause serious or life-threatening liver damage that may require a liver transplant. The risk of liver damage may be increased in people taking other medications known to cause liver damage and in people who already have liver disease. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme tiredness, lack of energy, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, or flu-like symptoms.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel), blood thinner (warfarin), lipid-lowering agent or (rosuvastatin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have severe liver disease or liver problems, any serious condition that affects the immune system like AIDS, bone marrow problems, low blood count, serious infection, or hypoproteinaemia (low levels of protein).
It is unknown if TERIFLUNOMIDE interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Teriflunomide belongs to pregnancy category X. Do not take TERIFLUNOMIDE if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.
Teriflunomide may pass into breast milk. Your doctor will make a decision whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother.
TERIFLUNOMIDE may cause dizziness. So, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
TERIFLUNOMIDE is not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment. If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking TERIFLUNOMIDE.
Do not take TERIFLUNOMIDE if you have a serious kidney problem which requires dialysis. If you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking TERIFLUNOMIDE.
TERIFLUNOMIDE is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Multiple sclerosis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself by mistake) that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system damages the myelin sheath (protective covering surrounding the nerve cells), leading to disrupted communication between the brain and the body. People suffering from multiple sclerosis may experience loss of muscle coordination, numbness, weakness, and problems with bladder control, vision, and speech.