Aubagio, whose active ingredient is teriflunomide, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the critical concerns with Aubagio is its potential impact on the liver. Yes, Aubagio can affect the liver and carries significant risks related to liver health that require careful monitoring.
Teriflunomide has been associated with **hepatotoxicity**, which means it can cause damage to the liver. This damage can range from mild elevations in liver enzymes—indicating stress or inflammation—to severe and sometimes fatal liver injury. The risk of serious liver problems is highest during the first six months after starting treatment but remains a concern throughout therapy.
Because of this risk, patients taking Aubagio must undergo **regular blood tests** to monitor their liver function before starting treatment and then monthly for at least six months afterward. These tests typically measure levels of enzymes such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase), along with bilirubin levels, which help assess how well the liver is working.
If any signs suggestive of liver injury appear—such as unexplained nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or dark urine—the medication should be stopped immediately. In such cases, an accelerated elimination procedure may be initiated to rapidly clear teriflunomide from the body because it has a long half-life and stays in tissues for an extended time.
Certain factors increase the likelihood that Aubagio will harm the liver:
– Pre-existing liver disease
– Concurrent use of other drugs known to affect the liver negatively
– Possibly older age or other underlying health conditions
The mechanism behind this hepatotoxicity involves how teriflunomide interferes with cellular processes in immune cells but also affects normal cells like those in the liver. The drug inhibits an enzyme involved in pyrimidine synthesis necessary for cell replication; while this helps reduce immune system attacks on nerves in MS patients, it can inadvertently stress hepatocytes—the main functional cells in your liver—leading to inflammation or injury.
In addition to direct toxicity effects on hepatocytes causing elevated transaminases (liver enzymes), there have been reports linking similar drugs like leflunomide—which shares chemical properties with teriflunomide—to more severe hepatic complications including hepatitis (inflammation), cholestasis (bile flow blockage), hepatic failure, and acute hepatic necrosis (death of large areas of tissue).
Because these risks are serious enough that regulatory agencies have issued **black box warnings** for Aubagio regarding its potential for severe hepatic injury and birth defects if taken during pregnancy — strict adherence to monitoring protocols is essential when using this drug.
Patients are advised not only about regular lab testing but also about recognizing symptoms early so they can seek medical attention promptly if needed. Doctors often weigh these risks against benefits carefully before prescribing Aubagio; it’s usually chosen when other treatments might not be suitable due to its effectiveness at controlling MS disease activity by modulating immune responses selectively.
In summary:
– Teriflunomide/Aubagio *can* cause significant harm to your *liver*.
– Liver function must be checked regularly before starting treatment and frequently thereafter.
– Symptoms like jaundice or unexplained fatigue should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
– If serious signs develop, stopping medication quickly plus special procedures help reduce further damage.
– Patients with existing risk factors need extra caution under close supervision by healthcare providers.
Understanding these points helps ensure safe use while benefiting from what Aubagio offers against multiple sclerosis progression without compromising vital organ health like your *liver*.
