MS is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. Relapsing MS occurs when symptoms show up from time to time.
Aubagio is in a class of drugs known as immunomodulatory agents, which work by decreasing inflammation and also targeting the action of immune cells that may damage nerves.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medicine in 2012. It's manufactured by Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi company.
Aubagio Warnings
Aubagio contains a black-box warning because it could cause serious or life-threatening liver damage.This risk is higher in people who take other medicines known to cause liver damage and in those who already have liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you've ever had liver disease or take any drugs that may damage the liver.
You should especially alert your physician if you're taking leflunomide (Arava).
Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms while taking Aubagio:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Flu-like symptoms
This medicine could stay in your body for up to two years. You might need to be treated with other drugs to help your body eliminate Aubagio.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- High blood pressure
- A fever or uncontrolled infections
- Nerve problems such as neuropathy
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- A history of tuberculosis (TB)
- Numbness or tingling sensations
Don't receive any live vaccinations while taking Aubagio and for at least six months after your treatment ends without first talking to your doctor.
This medicine may cause you to have high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly while taking Aubagio.
Tell your doctor you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Aubagio helps prevent symptoms of relapse in people with MS, but it won't cure the condition.
Continue to take Aubagio even if you feel well. Don't stop taking the medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy and Aubagio
Aubagio also contains a black-box warning because it can harm an unborn baby. Don't take this medicine if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.You shouldn't start on Aubagio until you have taken a pregnancy test and received a negative result.
If you're a woman of child-bearing age, use an effective form of birth control before, during, and for up to two years after taking this drug.
Avoid pregnancy until you stop taking Aubagio and have undergone the drug elimination procedure to make sure your body is rid of the medicine.
Call your doctor right away if you think you might be pregnant while on Aubagio or in the two years following your treatment.
Men who father a child during or after taking Aubagio may have an increased risk of having a baby with birth defects.
Use a condom to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine if you're a man and continue to use condoms until you've taken medicines to help your body eliminate Aubagio.
It's not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby. Don't take Aubagio if you're breastfeeding without first talking to your doctor.
Aubagio Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Aubagio
Tell your doctor if any of the following symptoms become severe or don't go away:- Hair loss
- Diarrhea or nausea
- Toothache
- Blurry vision
- Acne
- Itching
- Muscle or joint pain
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects of Aubagio
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section, as well as the following serious side effects:- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Pale or cold, gray skin
- Red, peeling, or blistering skin
- Rash
- Confusion
- Loss of muscle tone
- Signs of infection, which may include fever, cough, sore throat, or chills
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- Heaviness or weakness in the legs
- Stomach, side, or back pain
- Signs of an allergic reaction, which may include hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Aubagio Interactions
- Alosetron (Lotronex)
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Eltrombopag (Promacta)
- Gefitinib (Iressa)
- Medications that can cause nerve damage such as those for cancer, HIV, or AIDS
- Other medications that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf)
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Paclitaxel (Abraxane)
- Pioglitazone (Actos, in Actoplus Met, in Duetact)
- Repaglinide (Prandin, in Prandimet)
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia, in Avandamet, in Avandaryl)
- Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl, others)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Aubagio Dosage
The usual dose is 7 milligrams (mg) or 14 mg.
Try to take this medicine around the same time each day.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Aubagio. Don't take more or less of the medicine than is prescribed.
Aubagio Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.You can get in touch with a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Missed Dose of Aubagio
If you miss a dose of Aubagio, take it as soon as you remember.However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule.
Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
