New Oral Med -Aubagio (teriflunomide)

Exciting news launched this week for those in the MS community,,,

Its not the cure that we all want...but its another option that we have in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis

Aubagio (teriflunomide) was Approved For Multiple Sclerosis Treatment by the US FDA.

So what is Aubagio anyways?

Aubagio (teriflunomide), is a daily oral medication for those with relapsing forms of MS

This is the 2nd Oral Medication that has become available for Relapsing MS.  (Gilenya being the first).

FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said

"In a clinical trial, the relapse rate for patients using Aubagio was about 30 percent lower than the rate for those taking a placebo. Multiple sclerosis can impair movement, sensation, and thinking, so it is important to have a variety of treatment options available to patients." FDA

From Genzyme website  www.aubagio.com

AUBAGIO has shown significant efficacy across key measures of MS disease activity, including reducing relapses, slowing the progression of physical disability, and reducing the number of brain lesions as detected by MRI.


Potential Risks/Side Effects

• Aubagio could cause Birth Defects (teratogenicity)

• You should not get pregnant on this medication, You should be on effective birth control while on this medication.  This can stay in your system for up to 2 years after stopping drug (consult your doctor)

• If you are a male - your partner should take effective birth control

• AUBAGIO may decrease your white blood cell count, which may mean you could have more frequent infections 

• AUBAGIO may cause serious liver problems, which can be life-threatening (hapatotoxicity)

• Renal Failure

The most common side effects:

• abnormal liver test results
• hair thinning
• diarrhea
• flu
• nausea
• a burning or prickling feeling in your skin.

SO IS AUBAGIO RIGHT FOR ME?

RESEARCH!!!!! 

Before you start ANY medication you should know the pro's and con's.  You MUST know all the potential risks.  I myself is on Gilenya, the other Oral Medication and it too comes with a library of potential side effects.

Should I switch?  Only you can answer that.  But I like the saying "If it aint broken, dont try to fix it"

If your current DMD is working, why change?  Yes this could mean no more injections.  But as with EVERY medication out there - they don't all work the same with with everyone.  If what you are on is working, you probably should stick with it.  TALK to your MS Specialist if you are considering this drug.