Teriflunomide: What It Is and How It Works
If you or someone you know has relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), you’ve probably heard the name teriflunomide. It’s an oral pill that slows down the immune system’s attack on nerve fibers, helping to reduce flare‑ups and slow disability progression. Unlike injections, you just swallow a tablet once a day, which makes it a convenient option for many patients.
Teriflunomide belongs to a class called pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors. By blocking an enzyme needed for lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) growth, it reduces the inflammation that damages myelin—the protective coating around nerves. The result? Fewer relapses and a steadier disease course.
How to Take Teriflunomide Correctly
The usual dose is 14 mg taken once daily with food or water. Some doctors start you on a lower dose (7 mg) for the first week to see how you tolerate it, then bump up to the full amount. Always follow your prescriber’s exact instructions; skipping doses can make the drug less effective.
Before you begin, your doctor will run blood tests to check liver function and white‑blood‑cell counts. Teriflunomide can affect the liver, so those numbers need to be in a safe range. After starting the medication, repeat labs are usually done at month 1, then every three months.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for your next pill. In that case, just skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Doubling up isn’t recommended because higher doses increase side‑effect risk.
Side Effects & Safety Checks
The most common complaints are mild: headache, nausea, or a temporary rise in liver enzymes. These usually settle after the first few weeks. If you notice persistent stomach pain, severe fatigue, or unusual bruising, call your doctor right away—those could signal more serious issues.
Women who can become pregnant must use reliable contraception while on teriflunomide and for at least six months after stopping it. The drug stays in the body for a long time, and accidental exposure during pregnancy can be risky. There’s an accelerated elimination procedure (cholestyramine or activated charcoal) that speeds up clearance if you need to become pregnant quickly.
Other safety points: avoid live vaccines while on teriflunomide because your immune system is dampened. Also, inform any new healthcare provider that you’re taking this medication—especially before surgeries or procedures where bleeding risk matters.
Overall, teriflunomide offers a simple, once‑daily way to manage RRMS for many people. By staying on top of lab work, using contraception if needed, and reporting side effects early, you can keep the drug working safely for years.
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