Teriflunomide
Teriflunomide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Teriflunomide is a brand name. Its generic name is Teriflunomide.
Introduction
Teriflunomide (tradename AIPLEXA) is an oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) used to reduce relapses and slow disability progression for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is the active metabolite of leflunomide, a medication already used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Uses
Teriflunomide is used to reduce relapses and slow disability progression for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Mechanism of action
Teriflunomide works by reducing inflammation and preventing destruction of myelin, the white coating on nerves that is affected in MS. The drug is believed to do this by inhibiting an enzyme (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) involved in nucleic acid synthesis.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Teriflunomide usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach its full effect, but some patients start to feel its benefits in as little as two weeks.
Absorption
Teriflunomide is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is metabolized in the liver. The drug can then be distributed to all tissues and organs.
Route of Elimination
Teriflunomide is eliminated mainly via urine and feces. The drug is metabolized in the liver and undergoes a partial enterohepatic cycle.
Dosage
Teriflunomide is available in 7, 14, and 28 mg tablets. The recommended dose for adults is one 14 mg tablet once daily with or without food. Teriflunomide is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
Administration
Teriflunomide should be taken once daily with or without food. Make sure to drink at least two glasses of water with each dose to ensure proper absorption.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Teriflunomide include upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nausea, flu-like symptoms, elevated liver enzymes, dizziness, and headache. Less common side effects include hair thinning, rash, itching, increased triglycerides, and anxiety.
Toxicity
The most common toxicity associated with Teriflunomide is liver toxicity, although it is usually mild and reversible with dose modification or discontinuation. You should contact your doctor if you experience any signs of liver toxicity, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Precautions
Teriflunomide should not be taken by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, as it can harm the unborn baby. It is important to drink at least two glasses of water with each dose, as not drinking enough water can decrease the drug's effectiveness.
Interaction
Teriflunomide may interact with certain medications, including cholestyramine, trazodone, and certain antiviral drugs. Consult your doctor before starting any new medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins.
Disease Interaction
Teriflunomide may interact with certain diseases, including liver and kidney diseases. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of liver or kidney toxicity if they are taking Teriflunomide.
Drug Interaction
Teriflunomide may interact with certain drugs, including antifungals, antibiotics, cholestyramine, and blood thinners. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting Teriflunomide.
Food Interactions
Teriflunomide may interact with certain foods, such as grapefruit juice. It is important to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice if you are taking Teriflunomide.
Pregnancy Use
Teriflunomide is not recommended for use by pregnant women. There is a potential risk of harm to the unborn baby if Teriflunomide is taken during pregnancy.
Lactation Use
Teriflunomide is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women, as it can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby.
Acute Overdose
In case of acute overdose, patients should seek medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately.
Contraindication
Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus.
Use Direction
Teriflunomide is to be taken once daily with or without food. Make sure to drink at least two glasses of water with each dose to ensure proper absorption. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed.
Storage Conditions
Teriflunomide should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near heat sources.
Volume of Distribution
Teriflunomide has a volume of distribution of approximately 0.06 L/kg.
Half Life
Teriflunomide has an elimination half-life of approximately 1.5 days.
Clearance
Teriflunomide has a plasma clearance of 5.7 ml/min/kg.
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