Teriflunomide

Cytostatic · Pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor

Indications

Treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Dosage

Adults: 14 mg once daily. Children: =10 yrs: >40 kg: 14 mg once daily. =40 kg: 7 mg once daily. <10 kg: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Nausea, headache, diarrhoea, alopecia, increase in ALT.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe hepatic impairment, hypersensitivity, current leflunomide treatment. Precautions: Measure CBC level before starting treatment. Teriflunomide may decrease WBCs. Monitor patient for signs and symptoms of infection. Discontinue treatment in case of serious infection. Do not initiate treatment in patient with active infections. Discontinue treatment if patient has anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis; start rapid elimination. If patient develops symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, evaluate patient and consider stopping treatment. Teriflunomide may increase BP; measure BP at start of treatment and monitor BP during treatment.

Interactions

Leflunomide (contraindicated), drugs metabolized by CYP2C8, CYP1A2, BCRP, OATP1B1/B3 and OAT3 transporters, ethinyloestradiol, levonorgestrel, warfarin, rosuvastatin.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well-absorbed. Metabolism: Primarily via hydrolysis. Bioavailability: 100%. Half-life elimination: 10-18 days. Time to peak, plasma: 1-2 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (37.5%). Urine (22.6%).

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.