Aubagio, whose active ingredient is teriflunomide, is a disease-modifying therapy commonly prescribed for multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the frequently discussed side effects of Aubagio is **hair loss or hair thinning**, which many patients notice during the first few months of treatment. This hair thinning is typically diffuse, meaning it causes overall thinning rather than patchy bald spots, and it tends to be mild to moderate in severity.
Hair thinning usually begins within the first three months after starting Aubagio and often lasts only a short period, typically a few months. Many patients report that the hair loss is not severe enough to be noticeable to others and that it improves or resolves even while continuing the medication. It is important to understand that this side effect does not usually require stopping or changing the dosage of Aubagio, but any concerns should be discussed with a neurologist before making adjustments.
The mechanism behind this hair thinning is related to the immunosuppressive action of teriflunomide. Since Aubagio works by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and MS relapses, it can also affect rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles, leading to temporary hair thinning. This is a common phenomenon with many immunosuppressive or disease-modifying therapies used in MS treatment.
Besides hair thinning, other side effects of Aubagio include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea, headaches, skin rashes, and mild liver enzyme elevations. These side effects are generally manageable and monitored regularly by healthcare providers.
It’s also important to note that hair loss in people with MS can have multiple causes. MS itself, stress, nutritional deficiencies, other medications, or lifestyle factors may contribute to hair thinning or loss. Therefore, when hair loss occurs, it is not always straightforward to attribute it solely to Aubagio without considering these other factors.
Patients experiencing hair thinning while on Aubagio should maintain open communication with their healthcare team. They should not stop or alter their medication without professional guidance, as controlling MS disease activity is critical. In many cases, hair thinning improves over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
In summary, **Aubagio can cause hair thinning, especially in the early months of treatment, but this side effect is usually mild, temporary, and manageable without discontinuing the drug**. Understanding this can help patients prepare for and cope with this side effect while benefiting from the medication’s effects on MS.
