Do you or someone in your family have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the nervous system? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Teriflunomide. It often goes by the brand name Aubagio. There are a few important things you need to know about this medication. So let's talk about it today.
What is Teriflunomide?
Simply put, teriflunomide is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by reducing the number of flare-ups. It is important to remember that it is not a cure . It can help you manage your symptoms and live a normal life.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition, as this medication may not be compatible with some medical conditions.
| Your situation | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Very important! This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb. We will talk about this in more detail later. |
| Liver disease or kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the liver and kidneys. So if there is a problem with these organs, the medicine may accumulate in the body and increase the side effects. |
| High blood pressure | This medication may cause blood pressure to increase further. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes are at risk of developing nerve disorders, so it is important to inform your doctor about this. |
| Low blood cell counts | This medicine may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Therefore, if you already have this condition, you should inform your doctor. |
| Fever, infections, or immune system weaknesses | The risk of infection increases because the medicine reduces immunity. |
| If you have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine | Some types of vaccines are not compatible with this medicine. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | You should especially mention if you are allergic to the medicine Teriflunomide or Leflunomide. |
How do you use this medicine?
- This pill should be swallowed with a glass of water .
- You can take this before or after meals , but if you feel a little upset stomach, it's best to take it with food.
- The most important thing is to take the exact amount at the exact time prescribed by the doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Read the MedGuide carefully when you are given your medicine. It is important to look at it every time you take your medicine.
What if I miss a dose or take too much?
Imagine you forgot to take a dose of medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember . But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
If you accidentally take too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
You need to be a little careful when using this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: It is essential to see your doctor regularly and get necessary blood work done as prescribed.
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting the medication.
If you have a fever or a fever accompanied by red or purple skin rashes or blisters, if your skin is peeling as if it has been burned, or if your face or lips are swollen and you develop bumps on your neck or armpits, inform your doctor immediately.
- Residual: This is very important. Teriflunomide can remain in your body for up to 2 years after you stop taking it. So tell your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms. If necessary, you may be given a medicine to flush it out of your body.
A special awareness about pregnancy!
This is the most important and serious warning about this medicine.
- For women: You should not become pregnant for any reason while taking this medicine. This medicine can cause very serious birth defects in an unborn baby. You should definitely use an effective form of birth control. Even after stopping the medicine, you should have blood tests to make sure that the level of the medicine in your blood has dropped to a safe level before having a baby. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
- For men: Yes, this advice applies to you as a man. If you are taking this medicine, your wife or partner should avoid getting pregnant. This medicine is also found in semen. Therefore, you and your partner should use effective birth control. If you are thinking about having a child, you should stop taking the medicine and wait until the blood levels of the medicine have decreased.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, teriflunomide can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, nausea, loss of appetite. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Frequent fever, colds, sore throat (signs of infection). Bluish skin, bleeding even after a small injury (signs of low platelet count). |
| Nerve problems | Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the hands and feet. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, cough. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hair thinning or loss | It is a temporary condition that occurs in many people. |
| Diarrhea | It usually occurs in the early stages. |
| Headache, nausea, fatigue | If these persist or become severe, tell your doctor . |
Take-Home Message
- Teriflunomide is a drug that controls the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), but it is not a cure.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all your medical conditions.
- Most importantly: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and even after stopping it, until your doctor advises you to do so. This advice applies to both women and men.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as skin blistering or yellowing of the eyes along with fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න