Teriflunomide is a medicine used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, a condition that can affect the nervous system, including parts related to vision.
| Drug class | Disease-Modifying Therapy |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Tablet |
| Common strength | 14 mg |
| Common Indian brands | Aubagio |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Teriflunomide is used for
Teriflunomide is a prescription medicine primarily used to treat:
- Relapsing multiple sclerosis
While multiple sclerosis is a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, it can sometimes lead to vision problems. Teriflunomide helps manage the disease by reducing the frequency of relapses.
How it works
Teriflunomide works by blocking the proliferation (rapid increase) of certain immune cells in your body. In conditions like multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body, including nerve cells. By reducing the activity of these immune cells, Teriflunomide helps to lessen the inflammation and damage, thereby managing the disease and reducing the number of relapses.
How it’s used
Teriflunomide is available as a tablet and is typically taken orally. The usual dose is 14 mg, taken once a day. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding the dosage and duration of treatment. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without consulting your ophthalmologist or neurologist.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Aubagio
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Precautions & side effects
When taking Teriflunomide, certain precautions are important to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the treatment:
- Liver Monitoring: Your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking Teriflunomide. It is crucial to attend these appointments as scheduled.
- Teratogenic Risk: Teriflunomide can cause severe birth defects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or could become pregnant, it is extremely important to discuss this with your doctor. Effective contraception is necessary for women of childbearing potential during treatment and for a period after stopping the medication. Men whose partners could become pregnant should also discuss this with their doctor.
Always inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies, to avoid potential interactions.
Understanding Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Your Vision
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In ‘relapsing multiple sclerosis,’ patients experience periods of new or worsening symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of recovery (remissions). The immune system, which normally protects your body from infections, mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers. This damage disrupts the communication between your brain and the rest of your body.
While MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, vision problems are common and can be among the first signs. These can include blurred vision, double vision, pain in the eye, or even temporary loss of vision in one eye. These symptoms occur when MS affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. Managing MS with medicines like Teriflunomide aims to reduce the frequency and severity of these relapses, thereby helping to preserve nerve function and overall quality of life, including vision.
General Advice for Taking Oral Medications
Taking your medication correctly is vital for its effectiveness. Here are some general guidelines:
- Follow Instructions: Always take your Teriflunomide tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.
- Consistency: Try to take your medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. This can help improve its effectiveness.
- With or Without Food: Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, oral medications can usually be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, taking it with a meal might help.
- Swallowing Tablets: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet unless your doctor or pharmacist advises you to do so.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one.
- Storage: Store your medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not store medicines in the bathroom cabinet, as humidity can affect them.
When to Seek Medical Help
While Teriflunomide is prescribed to help manage your condition, it’s important to be aware of when to contact your doctor or seek urgent medical attention. Always remember that your doctor is your best resource for any health concerns.
- New or Worsening Symptoms: If you experience any new or worsening symptoms related to your multiple sclerosis or your eyes, such as significant changes in vision, severe pain, or unusual sensations, contact your ophthalmologist or neurologist promptly.
- Signs of Liver Problems: Given the precaution regarding liver monitoring, be vigilant for signs that might indicate liver issues. These can include persistent nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or unusual tiredness. Report any of these symptoms to your doctor immediately.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help.
- Pregnancy Concerns: If you become pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant while taking Teriflunomide, contact your doctor without delay due to the serious risks to the unborn baby.
- General Concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, its side effects, or your overall health, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor or pharmacist. They are there to provide guidance and support.
Frequently asked questions
What is Teriflunomide used for?
Teriflunomide is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the nervous system and can sometimes impact vision.
How does Teriflunomide work?
Teriflunomide works by blocking the rapid increase of certain immune cells in the body. This helps to reduce the immune system's attack on nerve cells, thereby managing multiple sclerosis and reducing relapses.
What are the common Indian brands for Teriflunomide?
In India, Teriflunomide is available under the brand name Aubagio.
How should I take Teriflunomide?
Teriflunomide is taken as a 14 mg tablet once a day. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions on how and when to take this medicine.
Do I need a prescription for Teriflunomide?
Yes, Teriflunomide is a prescription medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist or neurologist.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of when taking Teriflunomide?
Important precautions include regular monitoring of your liver function through blood tests and understanding that this medicine can cause severe birth defects. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after stopping the medication. Discuss any pregnancy plans or concerns with your doctor immediately.
References
- Teriflunomide – PMC – NIH
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.