TERIFLUNOMIDE

It is an immunomodulatory drug inhibiting pyrimidine de novo synthesis by blocking the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. It is an active metabolite of leflunomide.

Indications

It is used for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Dosage

Oral; 7 or 14 mg once per day.

Contra-Indications

Severe hepatic impairment, Pregnant females, co administration with leflunomide, hypersensitivity reaction.

Special Precautions

Teriflunomide is detected in human semen, men wants to become father should discontinue the drug and use contraception. Paediatric: Safety and efficacy not yet established. Pregnancy: Category X, contraindicated. Lactation: Not known if it is excreted in milk. Patient should avoid it during breastfeeding. Elderly: Safety and efficacy over 65 years not yet established.

Side Effects

Hypersensitivity reactions, some of which were severe, such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, Headache, Diarrhea, Alopecia, Nausea, Paresthesia, Arthralgia, Neutropenia, Hypertension, increase ALT, Severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Thrombocytopenia, Interstitial lung disease, Pancreatitis, Immunosuppression.

Drug Interactions

Paclitaxel, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rosiglitazone, warfarin, OCP’s, cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, ketoprofen, furosemide, methotrexate, zidovudine.