Aubagio (teriflunomide) is a medication primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. When it comes to whether Aubagio affects the thyroid, the relationship is not straightforward but there are some important points to consider.
Aubagio can cause side effects that include changes in blood cells and other systemic effects, and among these less common side effects are impacts on the thyroid. Some patients taking Aubagio have reported thyroid-related issues such as alterations in thyroid hormone levels or symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction like fatigue or changes in heart rhythm. However, these occurrences are relatively rare compared to more common side effects like diarrhea, rash, or hair thinning.
The exact mechanism by which Aubagio might influence the thyroid is not fully detailed in typical prescribing information. Since teriflunomide affects immune function broadly, it could potentially influence autoimmune activity that sometimes targets the thyroid gland—this is relevant because MS itself is an autoimmune condition and people with one autoimmune disorder may be at increased risk for others including autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
In clinical practice, doctors often monitor liver enzymes closely during treatment with Aubagio because liver toxicity is a known risk; similarly, they may keep an eye on blood counts and occasionally check for signs of other organ involvement including endocrine glands if symptoms arise. If a patient develops symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism (such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance) or hyperthyroidism (such as palpitations, heat intolerance), further evaluation of thyroid function tests would be warranted.
It’s also worth noting that some medications can indirectly affect how well your body processes or responds to thyroid hormones by altering proteins that bind these hormones in blood circulation. While this effect has been documented more clearly with hormonal therapies rather than immunomodulators like Aubagio specifically, it highlights how complex drug interactions with endocrine systems can be.
For patients already diagnosed with a preexisting thyroid condition who start taking Aubagio, close monitoring becomes even more important since any new medication could potentially alter their baseline status either through direct action on the gland or through immune modulation affecting antibody levels against the gland.
In summary:
– **Aubagio may rarely affect the thyroid**, either directly through immune modulation or indirectly via systemic effects.
– Thyroid-related side effects are uncommon but possible.
– Patients on Aubagio should report any new symptoms suggestive of altered thyroid function.
– Regular monitoring by healthcare providers includes watching for signs of liver toxicity primarily but also involves vigilance about other organ systems if clinically indicated.
– Those with existing thyroid disorders require careful follow-up when starting treatment.
Understanding this helps patients using Aubagio stay informed about potential risks while benefiting from its therapeutic effect against MS progression. If concerns about your own health arise while on this medication—especially related to energy levels, heart rate changes, temperature sensitivity—it’s advisable to discuss them promptly with your neurologist or endocrinologist who can order appropriate tests and adjust management accordingly.
