Aubagio, whose active ingredient is teriflunomide, is a medication primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). One important concern about Aubagio is whether it can cause birth defects. The answer is yes, Aubagio can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy or if a man taking the drug fathers a child. This risk is significant enough that strict precautions are recommended for both women and men using this medication.
For women, Aubagio is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Because of this, women must have a negative pregnancy test before starting Aubagio and must use effective birth control during treatment. Even after stopping the medication, birth control should continue for up to two years because teriflunomide stays in the body for a long time. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Aubagio, she should inform her doctor immediately to discuss options and potential treatments to reduce the drug’s presence in her body.
Men taking Aubagio also need to be cautious. Teriflunomide can cause birth defects if the father is using it when his partner becomes pregnant. Men are advised to use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy while on the drug. If a man plans to father a child, he should stop taking Aubagio and consult his doctor to discuss how to safely clear the drug from his system before conception.
The reason Aubagio causes birth defects is related to how teriflunomide works. It interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, which is a critical process during fetal development. This interference can lead to serious abnormalities in the developing baby. Because of this, Aubagio is classified as a pregnancy category X drug, meaning it is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its high risk of causing fetal harm.
In addition to birth defects, Aubagio can have other serious side effects, such as liver problems and lowered white blood cell counts, which can increase infection risk. These risks require regular monitoring by a healthcare provider through blood and urine tests.
The long elimination half-life of teriflunomide means it can remain in the body for months or even years after stopping treatment. To accelerate removal, a special procedure called cholestyramine washout or activated charcoal treatment can be used. This is especially important if pregnancy is planned or occurs unexpectedly.
Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the benefits and risks before prescribing Aubagio, especially for patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or of childbearing potential. Effective contraception and regular pregnancy testing are essential parts of managing treatment with Aubagio.
In summary, Aubagio can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy or if a man taking the drug fathers a child. Both women and men must take strict precautions to avoid pregnancy during and for a long time after treatment. If pregnancy occurs, immediate medical advice is crucial to manage potential risks to the baby.
