Aubagio, whose active ingredient is teriflunomide, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Like many medications, it can cause side effects, and diarrhea is one of the reported ones. While diarrhea associated with Aubagio is generally described as mild and self-limiting, there are instances where it could become more severe.
Diarrhea occurs relatively frequently in people taking Aubagio but is usually not serious. It often appears early in treatment and tends to resolve on its own without needing to stop the medication. Mild diarrhea might manifest as loose stools or increased frequency that does not significantly disrupt daily life. However, if diarrhea becomes persistent or severe—meaning frequent watery stools leading to dehydration or significant discomfort—it requires medical attention.
Severe diarrhea while on Aubagio could be a sign of other underlying issues such as liver problems or infection because this drug carries risks beyond just gastrointestinal upset. Teriflunomide has black box warnings for serious liver injury; symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain along with severe diarrhea should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. The liver toxicity risk means that any worsening gastrointestinal symptoms must be carefully evaluated since they might indicate more than just simple side effects.
Additionally, interactions between Aubagio and other medications may increase the likelihood of side effects including more intense gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Patients taking multiple drugs should inform their doctors about all medications they use so potential interactions can be managed safely.
In some cases where patients experience intolerable side effects such as ongoing severe diarrhea that affects nutrition and hydration status or quality of life significantly, doctors may consider adjusting the dose or switching therapies altogether.
It’s important for anyone starting Aubagio to monitor their bowel habits closely during treatment initiation and report any troubling changes promptly. Maintaining good hydration during episodes of loose stools helps prevent complications from fluid loss.
Overall:
– Diarrhea is a common but usually mild side effect of Aubagio.
– Severe diarrhea can occur but is less common; it warrants medical evaluation.
– Persistent or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms could signal liver issues linked to teriflunomide.
– Drug interactions may exacerbate side effects including diarrhea.
– Patients should communicate openly with healthcare providers about all symptoms experienced while on this medication.
– Proper monitoring by clinicians includes watching for signs beyond simple GI upset due to potential serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class.
Understanding these points helps patients using Aubagio recognize when their digestive symptoms are typical versus when urgent care might be needed due to severity or accompanying warning signs related to liver health or other complications.
