Aubagio, whose active ingredient is teriflunomide, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. However, like many medications affecting the nervous system and immune function, it carries potential side effects, including concerns about neuropathy.
Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord—often peripheral nerves—which can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy specifically affects these extremities.
Aubagio has been reported to potentially cause or worsen peripheral neuropathy. This means that some patients taking Aubagio may experience new onset nerve-related symptoms or an aggravation of pre-existing nerve issues. The manifestations can include numbness and tingling sensations in fingers and toes that might progress if not addressed promptly.
The risk of developing neuropathy while on Aubagio is considered a less common but significant side effect. It does not occur in everyone but remains important enough for healthcare providers to monitor patients regularly for any signs of nerve damage during treatment. If symptoms suggestive of neuropathy appear—such as persistent tingling or numbness—it is crucial for patients to inform their neurologist immediately so appropriate evaluation can be done.
The mechanism behind this side effect likely relates to how teriflunomide influences cellular processes involved in immune regulation but may also affect nerve cells indirectly through metabolic changes or toxicity at higher concentrations over time.
Other factors may increase susceptibility to neuropathy when using Aubagio:
– Pre-existing conditions like diabetes which already predispose individuals to nerve problems
– Concurrent use of other medications with neurotoxic potential
– Kidney impairment affecting drug clearance
Because teriflunomide has a long half-life (it stays in the body for weeks), any adverse effects including neuropathic symptoms might persist even after stopping treatment unless an accelerated elimination procedure is performed under medical supervision.
Patients starting on Aubagio are typically advised about possible side effects including neurological ones and undergo baseline assessments before initiation. Regular follow-ups help detect early signs so adjustments can be made swiftly—whether by dose modification or switching therapies—to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
In summary, while Aubagio does carry a risk of increasing peripheral neuropathy in some patients due mainly to its pharmacological action on immune cells with secondary impact on nerves, this risk must be balanced against its benefits controlling MS activity. Vigilant monitoring by healthcare professionals combined with patient awareness ensures that if neuropathic symptoms develop during therapy they are recognized early and managed appropriately without delay.
