Aubagio 14mg (teriflunomid) 28 tablets imported

Aubagio is a brand name for teriflunomide, an oral medication used in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in its relapsing forms. Teriflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that helps reduce the frequency of relapses and slows the progression of physical disability in MS patients. It is available in a convenient oral tablet form, with each tablet containing 14mg of the active ingredient teriflunomide.

How It Works

Aubagio works by targeting the immune system to decrease the inflammatory activity that characterizes multiple sclerosis. Here are the main mechanisms through which teriflunomide exerts its effects: 1. **Inhibition of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase (DHODH)**: Teriflunomide inhibits DHODH, an enzyme essential for the de novo synthesis of pyrimidines, which are crucial components for DNA and RNA synthesis. By blocking this pathway, teriflunomide reduces the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, such as activated lymphocytes. This results in a decrease in the number of immune cells that can attack the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS). 2. **Reduction of T and B Cell Activation**: By limiting the proliferation of activated T and B lymphocytes, teriflunomide reduces the overall inflammatory response within the CNS, which helps prevent the immune-mediated damage to nerve fibers and myelin. 3. **Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines**: Teriflunomide alters the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a decrease in inflammation and potential neuroprotection. 4. **Selective Immunosuppression**: While reducing the activity of specific immune cells, teriflunomide allows for the continued function of non-activated lymphocytes, thus preserving the body’s ability to fight infections.

Indications

Aubagio is indicated for the treatment of:

• Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis (RMS): It is used to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and slow the progression of physical disability in adult patients with relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and active secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Side Effects

Like all medications, Aubagio can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Headache
• Influenza
• Back pain
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and feet)
• Cough

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Severe liver injury, which may manifest as jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
• Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Hematologic effects, including decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, leading to increased risk of infections or bleeding.
• Serious infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
• Interstitial lung disease, which may present as shortness of breath, cough, and fever.
• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure).

Contraindications

Aubagio is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Pregnancy: Teriflunomide is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the risk of teratogenicity and fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and undergo accelerated elimination procedures if pregnancy is planned or confirmed.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Patients with significant liver dysfunction should not use Aubagio due to the risk of exacerbating liver injury.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy or hypersensitivity to teriflunomide or any of the excipients in the formulation.
• Severe immunodeficiency states: Such as AIDS or patients undergoing significant immunosuppressive therapy, where further immune suppression could increase infection risk.
• Pre-existing bone marrow disorders: Such as significant anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia.

Pricing Information

Here is a table detailing the price of Aubagio in various countries:

Country	Price (per 28 tablets)	Reference
United States	$5,500 – $6,200	GoodRx
Canada	CAD $3,500 – $4,000	DrugBank
United Kingdom	£1,000 – £1,500	NHS
Australia	AUD $2,800 – $3,300	PBS
Germany	€2,800 – €3,300	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

In addition to Aubagio, several pharmaceutical companies manufacture medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Here are some of the top global brands:

• Gilenya (fingolimod) – Novartis
• Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) – Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) – Biogen
• Tysabri (natalizumab) – Biogen
• Rebif (interferon beta-1a) – Merck Serono