Why is Aubagio needed for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
It is a chronic disease that causes the immune system to attack the myelin (outer layer) on nerves on the eyes, brain, and spine. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) creates scar tissue (lesions) in the mind that makes it difficult for the brain to send signals to the other parts of the body.
Aubagio is considered as a better drug for the case of multiple sclerosis as it has lesser side effects compared to the other medications taken for MS. Aubagio has an active drug called teriflunomide that blocks a specific enzyme. These enzymes, when blocked, stop the spread of the immune cells and attack the Myelin. It is the only pyrimidine synthesis in such a case.
While taking Aubagio in the case of multiple sclerosis (MS), a person may have side effects on the body as well. Some of which are curable and some of which are severe require better treatment required.
Side Effects Caused due to Aubagio:
There are various side effects while taking Aubagio; some of the side effects are less harmful and are cured automatically in the time being. Some are extremely dangerous to the body, and the doctor gives proper medication and treatment.
Some of the side effects caused due to Aubagio are:
Sign of Liver damage: The liver cell damage is a sign of liver failure and symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and irritation in eyes
Skin damage: Due to the regular medication of Aubagio, there can be some rashness in the skin. Sometimes due to the reaction of the drug, the body has an initial swelling in hands or toes, but if the swelling increases, then the problem must be directed to the doctor. The sores can occur in the mouth or hands or other parts of the body.
High blood pressure and respiratory problem: This problem is the mild but repetitive problem in breathing, or higher blood pressure may react to the damage of the immune cells and a slower process in blocking lesion cell development.
Some of the other less harmful side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhea, increase in blood pressure, which is cured easily or is cured simultaneously during the process.
Dosage of Aubagio:
The Aubagio has two strength tablets, one in 7 mg and another in 14 mg. Both are to take only once in a day.
The overdosage of Aubagio may increase various other disease and a significant increase in the development of the scar tissues that damages the central nervous system.
After or before food in any form, the Aubagio pill is given. It is better not to crush the tablet or dilute it in the water to take as it is very bitter. In the case of another drug such as Techfidera and Gilenya, it is not possible as they are in the capsule form.
Various other alternative dosage is also there for the treatment of Multiple sclerosis such as:
- Techfidera
- Gilenya
Techfidera:
Techfidera is also an independent brand drug that is for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Techfidera has a different active ingredient dimethyl fumarate that belongs to the disease-modifying therapy drug class. Techfidera is not a better treatment as Aubagio for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Food and Drug Association (FDA) approved Techfidera, just like Aubagio, and taken twice a day. The severe side effects that can occur while taking Techfidera is PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy).
PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy):
PML(Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) is not a side effect of Aubagio, but it is the major issue that destroys the central nervous system. A drug named natalizumab is a highly not recommended drug for MS, and the FDA does not approve this drug.
Gilenya:
It is useful for treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Food and Drug Association (FDA) approve this drug but only for the children’s young as the age of 10 years and not for adults. Gilenya contains a different kind of ingredient fingolimod hydrochloride; this drug does not belong to the same class and works differently for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Gilenya comes in the form of a drug and is taken once in a day. It has a lower kind of side effects compare to Aubagio as it helps for the treatment of the children, such as pain in your abdomen, flu, backache, and cough.
Test Required Before Taking Aubagio:
A blood test to check whether the liver is healthy or to check the blood count for the symptom of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) a severe case of this situation. Pregnancy tests as pregnant women cannot take Aubagio during pregnancy. Tuberculosis skin test and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a regular check-up.
