Apply for Aubagio (Teriflunomide) Copay Assistance Program

Yes, completely free. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy provides free enrollment and support for all Aubagio (teriflunomide) copay assistance programs including manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs. We never charge service fees for helping patients access medication savings.

What’s included at no cost:

• Application assistance for Aubagio (teriflunomide) manufacturer copay cards
• Insurance verification and benefit checks
• Prior authorization support when needed
• Foundation grant applications for multiple sclerosis treatment
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous savings
• Prescription coordination and specialty medication delivery

Aubagio (teriflunomide) savings programs available:

For patients with commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards for Aubagio can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

For Medicare and Medicaid patients, foundation-based assistance programs provide grants that help cover medication expenses. These programs are also free to apply for with QuickRx’s help.

For uninsured patients, manufacturer patient assistance programs may provide Aubagio (teriflunomide) at no cost or significantly reduced prices based on financial need.

Our team’s only goal is to make Aubagio (teriflunomide) more affordable so you can focus on managing your multiple sclerosis without financial stress. Contact QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to get started today.

Eligibility for Aubagio (teriflunomide) copay assistance depends on your insurance type and your financial situation. QuickRx helps determine which programs you qualify for at no cost.

Eligibility criteria for Aubagio copay cards:

Commercial insurance patients with coverage for Aubagio (teriflunomide) typically qualify for manufacturer copay cards. Requirements usually include:

• Active commercial (private) health insurance that covers Aubagio
• Valid prescription for teriflunomide
• Treatment for FDA-approved indications (relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis)
• US residency

Alternative assistance for other insurance types:

Medicare and Medicaid patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards due to federal regulations, but may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed for government insurance beneficiaries.

Uninsured patients may qualify for manufacturer patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost Aubagio (teriflunomide) based on household income and financial need.

How QuickRx determines your eligibility:

When you contact QuickRx, we review your insurance coverage, prescription details, and financial situation to identify every Aubagio (teriflunomide) assistance program you qualify for. We then handle all applications and enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

Call (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to speak with a copay assistance specialist who can verify your eligibility for Aubagio savings programs today.

Savings vary by insurance type and the assistance programs you qualify for. QuickRx works to maximize your savings through all available programs.

Potential Aubagio (teriflunomide) copay assistance savings:

With commercial insurance, manufacturer copay cards can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Aubagio. The amount of savings depends on your insurance plan’s copay or coinsurance amount and the specific program benefit limits.

With Medicare or Medicaid, foundation grants and patient assistance programs help cover medication costs that Medicare doesn’t pay. Grant amounts vary by foundation and availability of funds.

For uninsured patients, manufacturer patient assistance programs may provide Aubagio (teriflunomide) at no cost if you meet income eligibility requirements.

Why savings amounts vary:

The cost of Aubagio (teriflunomide) can be substantial without assistance. Your actual savings depend on:

• Your insurance plan’s coverage and cost-sharing structure
• Whether your medication requires specialty pharmacy dispensing
• Annual benefit caps on copay assistance programs
• Foundation funding availability at the time of application
• Your household income (for patient assistance programs)

QuickRx maximizes your savings:

Our specialty in MS medications means we know how to layer multiple assistance programs to achieve maximum savings on your Aubagio (teriflunomide) prescriptions. We monitor your benefits throughout the year and handle renewals to ensure uninterrupted assistance.

Contact QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to find out exactly how much you can save on your Aubagio medication.

Yes, Medicare patients can access Aubagio (teriflunomide) financial assistance, but not through manufacturer copay cards. Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for foundation grants and other patient assistance programs specifically designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs for MS medications.

Why Medicare patients can’t use copay cards:

Federal anti-kickback laws prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from offering copay cards to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This applies to Aubagio (teriflunomide).

Alternative assistance for Medicare patients:

QuickRx connects Medicare patients with alternative Aubagio (teriflunomide) assistance programs including:

• Independent charitable foundations that provide grants for MS medications
• Disease-specific foundations focused on multiple sclerosis
• Manufacturer patient assistance programs for qualifying patients
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) where available

How QuickRx helps Medicare patients:

Our team specializes in navigating the complex landscape of Medicare Part D coverage for specialty medications like Aubagio. We help you:

• Understand your Medicare Part D plan’s coverage for teriflunomide
• Apply for foundation grants to cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
• Navigate the Medicare donut hole (coverage gap)
• Complete patient assistance program applications if you qualify
• Monitor assistance programs year-round and handle renewals

Don’t let Medicare restrictions prevent you from affording your Aubagio medication. Call QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to explore all available assistance options.

If you’re struggling to afford Aubagio (teriflunomide), QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy can help you access financial assistance programs regardless of your insurance situation. We specialize in finding solutions for patients who cannot afford their multiple sclerosis medications.

Financial assistance options by insurance type:

With commercial insurance:

• Manufacturer copay cards for Aubagio
• Disease-specific foundation grants for multiple sclerosis
• Premium assistance programs to help with insurance costs

With Medicare or Medicaid:

• Independent charitable foundation grants
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs
• Manufacturer patient assistance programs (if eligible)
• Medicare Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy programs

Without insurance:

• Manufacturer patient assistance programs providing free medication
• Foundation grants for uninsured patients
• Hospital charity care programs
• Assistance finding affordable insurance coverage

Emergency medication access:

If you need your Aubagio (teriflunomide) medication urgently and cannot afford it, contact QuickRx immediately. We can often expedite applications for emergency assistance programs to ensure you don’t miss doses of your critical medication.

Why choose QuickRx for Aubagio assistance:

We understand that multiple sclerosis requires continuous medication therapy, and missing doses due to cost is not an option. Our team works tirelessly to find every available resource to make your Aubagio affordable.

Contact QuickRx urgently at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 if you cannot afford your Aubagio medication. We can help right away.

Aubagio (teriflunomide) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It is taken as a once-daily oral tablet.

How Aubagio works:

Aubagio is an immunomodulatory disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that works by reducing the activity of certain immune cells that contribute to MS. Specifically, teriflunomide inhibits an enzyme called dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which is essential for rapidly dividing activated lymphocytes (immune cells) to multiply.

By selectively targeting these fast-dividing immune cells, Aubagio helps:

• Reduce the number of activated immune cells attacking the nervous system
• Decrease inflammation in the central nervous system
• Slow the progression of multiple sclerosis
• Reduce the frequency of clinical relapses
• Decrease the number and size of brain lesions visible on MRI

What makes Aubagio different:

Unlike complete immunosuppressants, Aubagio is considered an immunomodulatory medication, meaning it selectively affects certain immune responses without completely shutting down the immune system. This targeted approach helps manage MS while maintaining some immune function.

Proven effectiveness:

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Aubagio:

• Reduces annual relapse rates by approximately 30% compared to placebo
• Slows disability progression
• Significantly reduces new or enlarging brain lesions on MRI
• Provides consistent benefits with long-term use

Your neurologist will determine if Aubagio is appropriate for your specific type of MS and disease activity. For help affording Aubagio, contact QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio (teriflunomide) is FDA-approved specifically for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults.

Approved uses of Aubagio:

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): A first episode of neurological symptoms caused by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system that lasts at least 24 hours. CIS may be the first sign of MS.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): The most common form of MS, characterized by clearly defined attacks (relapses) of worsening neurological function followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remission).

Active Secondary Progressive MS: A form of MS that initially follows a relapsing-remitting course but then transitions to gradual worsening of symptoms with or without occasional relapses.

What is multiple sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body. This damage can cause:

• Vision problems
• Numbness or weakness in limbs
• Tingling or pain
• Electric-shock sensations with certain neck movements
• Tremor, lack of coordination, or unsteady gait
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Bowel and bladder function problems

When Aubagio is NOT used:

Aubagio is not approved for primary progressive MS (PPMS), which involves gradual worsening of symptoms from disease onset without distinct relapses or remissions.

Importance of disease-modifying therapy:

Starting treatment with a disease-modifying therapy like Aubagio early in the course of MS can:

• Reduce the frequency and severity of relapses
• Slow disability progression
• Reduce brain lesion development
• Improve long-term outcomes

Your neurologist will evaluate your MS type, disease activity, and individual risk factors to determine if Aubagio is right for you. For help affording Aubagio, contact QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio is taken as a once-daily oral tablet with or without food. Following proper dosing instructions ensures optimal effectiveness.

Standard dosing:

Aubagio is available in two strengths:

• 7 mg tablets: Lower dose option
• 14 mg tablets: Standard dose (most commonly prescribed)

Your neurologist will prescribe the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and tolerance.

How to take Aubagio:

• Take once daily: Swallow one tablet at approximately the same time each day
• With or without food: Aubagio can be taken with or without meals
• Swallow whole: Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets
• Consistency is key: Taking Aubagio at the same time daily helps maintain steady medication levels

If you miss a dose:

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do NOT take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose
• Resume your regular dosing schedule

Important precautions:

• Continue taking as prescribed: Keep taking Aubagio even if you feel well, as MS symptoms may not be immediately apparent
• Don’t stop suddenly: Consult your neurologist before discontinuing Aubagio. If you need to stop, you may require an accelerated drug elimination procedure
• Storage: Store Aubagio at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Before starting Aubagio:

Your doctor will order baseline tests including:

• Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Tuberculosis screening
• Blood pressure measurement
• Pregnancy test (for women of childbearing potential)

These tests will be repeated regularly during treatment to monitor for potential side effects.

Regular monitoring while on Aubagio:

• Liver function tests every 2 weeks for 6 months, then every 8 weeks
• Blood pressure checks
• Complete blood counts periodically
• Regular neurological assessments and MRI scans

Attend all scheduled appointments and lab work as directed by your neurologist. For questions about taking Aubagio or help with copay assistance, call QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio has several important drug interactions that require careful monitoring. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

Serious drug interactions:

Leflunomide (Arava):

• NEVER take Aubagio with leflunomide
• These medications are chemically related and combined use can cause dangerous toxicity
• Both are metabolized to the same active compound

Other immunosuppressants:

• Combining Aubagio with abrocitinib, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressants may increase infection risk
• Use together is not recommended unless benefits outweigh risks
• Requires close monitoring for immunosuppression and infections

Medications requiring dose adjustments or monitoring:

BCRP/ABCG2 Inhibitors (e.g., Alpelisib):

• May increase teriflunomide blood levels
• Avoid using together when possible
• If combination necessary, monitor closely for increased side effects

Warfarin:

• Aubagio may affect warfarin metabolism
• More frequent INR monitoring required when starting or stopping Aubagio

Cholestyramine and activated charcoal:

• These medications rapidly eliminate Aubagio from the body
• Used during drug elimination procedures or in case of overdose
• Should not be taken during routine Aubagio therapy

Live vaccines:

• Vaccination with live or live-attenuated vaccines is not recommended during Aubagio treatment
• Wait until drug elimination is confirmed before receiving live vaccines
• Inactivated (killed) vaccines may be given but may be less effective

Contraceptives:

While Aubagio doesn’t reduce contraceptive effectiveness, reliable contraception is mandatory for women of childbearing potential due to severe pregnancy risks. Discuss appropriate contraceptive methods with your doctor.

Medications metabolized by liver enzymes:

Aubagio may interact with drugs metabolized by:

• CYP2C8 (moderate inhibitor)
• BCRP/ABCG2 (moderate inhibitor)
• OAT1/3 and OATP1B1/1B3 (inhibitor)
• CYP1A2 (moderate inducer)

Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What to discuss with your doctor:

• Complete list of current medications
• Any planned vaccinations
• Plans to start new medications
• History of previous immunosuppressant use
• Any concerns about drug interactions

QuickRx pharmacists provide comprehensive drug interaction screening for all Aubagio patients. Call (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111 to speak with our specialty pharmacists about medication safety.

Like all medications, Aubagio can cause side effects. Most patients tolerate it well, but it’s important to recognize potential problems early.

Common side effects:

These side effects occur in more than 10% of patients:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Hair thinning or mild temporary hair loss (usually reverses after stopping medication)
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT) – detected through blood tests
• Upper respiratory infections

Other common side effects (occurring in 1-10% of patients) include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling)
• High blood pressure
• Weight loss
• Flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

Liver damage (hepatotoxicity):

• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in upper right abdomen
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Can occur acutely or develop over months of therapy

Severe infections:

• Due to immune system effects, serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can occur
• Fever, persistent cough, or signs of infection
• Cytomegalovirus reactivation has been reported
• Tuberculosis reactivation (screening required before starting)

Peripheral neuropathy:

• Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands or feet
• Weakness in arms or legs
• May be severe and require stopping medication

Blood pressure elevation:

• New or worsening hypertension
• Regular blood pressure monitoring required

Severe skin reactions:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare)
• Severe rash with blistering or peeling skin
• Requires immediate discontinuation

Blood cell abnormalities:

• Low white blood cell counts (increasing infection risk)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Detected through blood tests

Respiratory problems:

• Interstitial lung disease
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath

Post-marketing side effects:

Additional side effects reported after FDA approval include:

• Exacerbation of psoriasis or development of new psoriasis
• Colitis, pancreatitis
• Acute hepatic failure, hepatic injury
• Anaphylaxis, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions

Monitoring requirements:

Your doctor will monitor you regularly with:

• Liver function tests every 2 weeks for 6 months, then every 8 weeks
• Complete blood counts periodically
• Blood pressure checks
• Assessment for signs of infection
• Evaluation for neuropathy symptoms

Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly. Early detection of side effects allows for appropriate management.

Aubagio is contraindicated in certain patients and requires special precautions in others. Your doctor will determine if Aubagio is safe for you.

Absolute contraindications (DO NOT take Aubagio if):

Pregnancy:

• Aubagio carries a BOXED WARNING for severe birth defects (teratogenicity)
• Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy
• Can cause major fetal abnormalities including brain, heart, and skeletal defects
• Women must have negative pregnancy test before starting
• Reliable contraception mandatory during treatment and until drug elimination confirmed

Current use of leflunomide:

• Aubagio and leflunomide are chemically related
• Must never be used together
• Can cause dangerous toxicity

Severe hepatic impairment:

• Patients with pre-existing severe liver disease should not take Aubagio
• Risk of worsening liver damage

Known hypersensitivity:

• Severe allergic reactions to teriflunomide or any component of Aubagio

Special warnings and precautions:

Women of childbearing potential:

• Must use reliable contraception during treatment
• Must undergo drug elimination procedure before attempting pregnancy
• Verification of teriflunomide blood levels below 0.02 mg/L required
• Takes 8 months to 2 years without elimination procedure
• Accelerated elimination with cholestyramine or activated charcoal reduces to ~11 days

Men planning to father children:

• Should use condoms during intercourse if partner could become pregnant
• Drug may be present in semen
• Consider drug elimination procedure before attempting conception

Breastfeeding:

• Unknown if Aubagio passes into breast milk
• Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor
• May need to choose between breastfeeding and treatment

Use with caution if you have:

• Active infections: Treatment should be delayed until infections resolve
• Liver disease: Even mild-to-moderate liver impairment requires careful monitoring
• Bone marrow disorders: Pre-existing blood cell abnormalities
• Respiratory disease: Pre-existing lung conditions
• High blood pressure: May worsen hypertension
• Peripheral neuropathy: Pre-existing nerve damage
• Immunodeficiency: Compromised immune system

Before starting Aubagio, tell your doctor about:

• All medical conditions, especially liver disease, infections, neuropathy, respiratory problems
• All medications you’re taking
• Recent vaccinations or planned vaccinations
• History of tuberculosis or positive TB test
• Pregnancy plans or current pregnancy
• Breastfeeding plans
• Any drug allergies

For confidential consultation about whether Aubagio is appropriate for your situation, call QuickRx specialty pharmacists at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio begins affecting the immune system within days of starting treatment, but clinical benefits typically take 2-6 months to become measurable.

Timeline for Aubagio effectiveness:

Immediate effects (Days to weeks):

• Aubagio starts reducing activated lymphocyte counts within the first few weeks
• Immune system modulation begins immediately
• Not noticeable to patients

Clinical benefits (2-6 months):

• Reduction in relapse rates becomes measurable around 6 months
• Continued benefit throughout treatment period
• Individual response varies

MRI improvements (6-12 months):

• Reductions in new or enlarging brain lesions typically observed at 6-12 month follow-up scans
• Decreased gadolinium-enhancing lesions
• Slower brain volume loss over time

Disability progression (2+ years):

• Effects on slowing disability accumulation measured over longer periods
• Sustained disease control requires continuous treatment

Important expectations:

Aubagio is preventive, not symptomatic treatment:

• Goal is to reduce future relapses and slow MS progression
• Does not reverse existing damage
• Does not eliminate current symptoms
• Works by preventing new disease activity

Consistency is crucial:

• Take Aubagio exactly as prescribed even if you don’t notice immediate changes
• Missing doses reduces effectiveness
• Benefits accumulate over time with continuous use

How effectiveness is measured:

Your neurologist monitors Aubagio effectiveness through:

• Relapse frequency and severity
• Disability assessments (EDSS scores)
• MRI scans showing new lesions or brain volume
• Your reported symptoms and functional abilities
• Quality of life assessments

What if Aubagio doesn’t seem to be working:

• Discuss concerns with your neurologist
• May need at least 6-12 months to fully assess effectiveness
• Some patients require switching to different or more aggressive MS therapies
• Never stop Aubagio without consulting your doctor

Long-term treatment:

MS is a chronic condition requiring long-term disease management:

• Most patients continue Aubagio for years if well-tolerated and effective
• Regular monitoring ensures continued safety and efficacy
• Treatment adjustments made based on disease activity

For questions about your Aubagio treatment or help with medication costs, call QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

NO – Aubagio is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy and carries a BOXED WARNING for severe birth defects.

Pregnancy – CRITICAL WARNING:

Aubagio (teriflunomide) causes severe birth defects (teratogenicity) and is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy.

Fetal risks include:

• Major abnormalities affecting brain development
• Heart defects
• Skeletal abnormalities
• Other organ system malformations

Mandatory pregnancy prevention measures:

Before starting Aubagio:

• Negative pregnancy test required for all women of childbearing potential
• Discussion of pregnancy risks mandatory
• Reliable contraception must be in place
• Understanding of drug elimination requirements necessary

During Aubagio treatment:

• Reliable contraception MANDATORY throughout treatment
• Monthly pregnancy tests may be recommended
• Report any suspected pregnancy immediately

Planning pregnancy (women):

• Must stop Aubagio and undergo accelerated drug elimination procedure
• Two methods available: cholestyramine (8 g three times daily for 11 days) or activated charcoal (50 g every 12 hours for 11 days)
• Verification required: two blood tests at least 14 days apart confirming teriflunomide levels below 0.02 mg/L
• Without elimination procedure: takes 8 months to 2 years for drug to clear naturally
• Do not attempt pregnancy until levels confirmed safe

If pregnancy occurs during Aubagio treatment:

• Stop medication immediately
• Contact your doctor urgently
• Begin accelerated elimination procedure
• Discuss potential risks with healthcare team
• Close monitoring throughout pregnancy

Men and pregnancy (partner considerations):

Men taking Aubagio should:

• Use condoms during intercourse if partner could become pregnant
• Teriflunomide may be present in semen
• Consider undergoing drug elimination procedure before attempting to father children
• Discuss family planning with doctor

While risk through semen is considered lower than direct female exposure, precautions are recommended.

Breastfeeding:

Aubagio and breastfeeding:

• Unknown if teriflunomide passes into breast milk
• Potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants
• Women should not breastfeed while taking Aubagio
• Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding versus benefits of MS treatment with your doctor
• May need to choose between treatment and breastfeeding

Fertility concerns:

Aubagio may cause fertility problems affecting your ability to have children:

• Applies to both men and women
• Discuss fertility preservation options before starting treatment if planning future children
• Fertility effects may be reversible after stopping medication

Family planning consultation:

Before starting Aubagio, have a thorough discussion with your doctor about:

• Current pregnancy status
• Future family planning goals
• Contraception methods
• Drug elimination procedures
• Alternative MS treatments if pregnancy desired soon
• Timing of treatment relative to family planning

For confidential counseling about pregnancy considerations with Aubagio, call QuickRx specialty pharmacists at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio offers several distinctive features compared to other multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies, making it an important treatment option for many patients.

Oral administration advantage:

• Once-daily pill – no injections or infusions required
• Eliminates injection-site reactions
• No infusion-related complications
• Easy to incorporate into daily routine
• Improves treatment adherence for patients who dislike needles

Selective immunomodulation:

• Targets rapidly dividing activated lymphocytes specifically
• Does not broadly suppress entire immune system
• Maintains some immune function
• Different mechanism than interferon-based therapies
• May offer different tolerability profile than more aggressive immunosuppressants

Once-daily convenience:

• Simple dosing schedule
• Can be taken with or without food
• No multiple daily doses required
• No specific timing restrictions
• Easier to remember than complex dosing regimens

Established safety profile:

• FDA approved since 2012
• Extensive clinical trial data
• Long-term safety data extending beyond 10 years in some patients
• Well-understood side effect profile
• Predictable monitoring requirements

Proven efficacy:

Clinical studies demonstrate Aubagio:

• Reduces annual relapse rates by approximately 30-36% versus placebo
• Slows disability progression significantly
• Reduces new or enlarging brain lesions by 60-80%
• Decreases gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI
• Shows consistent benefits with continued use

Efficacy classification:

• Considered a moderate-efficacy DMT (not high-efficacy like natalizumab or alemtuzumab)
• Balances effectiveness with favorable tolerability for many patients
• Appropriate for patients with relapsing MS without extremely high disease activity
• Can be first-line treatment or used after other therapies

Straightforward monitoring:

• Regular blood tests for liver function and blood counts
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Less intensive monitoring than some other DMTs
• No MRI monitoring for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) required

Comparison to other oral MS medications:

Versus Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate):

• Different mechanism of action
• Tecfidera requires twice-daily dosing; Aubagio once daily
• Different side effect profiles (Tecfidera: flushing, GI upset; Aubagio: hair thinning, liver effects)

Versus Gilenya (fingolimod):

• Gilenya considered higher efficacy but requires first-dose cardiac monitoring
• Aubagio has simpler initiation without monitoring
• Different immunologic mechanisms

Versus Mavenclad (cladribine):

• Mavenclad is intermittent treatment (courses in two years vs. continuous daily Aubagio)
• Different risk profiles
• Mavenclad requires more stringent patient selection

When Aubagio may be preferred:

• Patients who want oral therapy convenience
• Those who cannot tolerate injections or infusions
• Patients seeking moderate-efficacy DMT with established safety profile
• Those who prefer simple once-daily dosing
• Patients for whom high-efficacy therapies are not yet warranted

Individual treatment decisions:

Your neurologist will help determine if Aubagio is right for you based on:

• Your MS type and disease activity
• Previous treatment history
• MRI findings and relapse frequency
• Risk tolerance and preferences
• Other medical conditions
• Pregnancy planning
• Lifestyle factors

For help affording Aubagio or questions about treatment options, call QuickRx at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Aubagio has an exceptionally long elimination half-life, remaining in your body for extended periods after you stop taking it. This is critically important for pregnancy planning and when switching medications.

Natural elimination timeline:

Without accelerated elimination procedure:

• Takes 8 months to 2 YEARS for teriflunomide to be eliminated naturally
• Average elimination time to reach levels below 0.02 mg/L: approximately 8 months
• Can take up to 2 years in some individuals
• Depends on kidney and liver function
• Elimination is highly variable between individuals

Accelerated drug elimination procedure:

When rapid elimination is necessary (pregnancy planning, serious side effects, switching to certain other medications), an accelerated procedure can reduce elimination time to approximately 11 days to several weeks.

Cholestyramine method (preferred):

• Dose: 8 grams three times daily for 11 days
• Most commonly used elimination protocol
• Given orally
• May cause constipation, bloating, or GI upset

Activated charcoal method (alternative):

• Dose: 50 grams of activated charcoal powder every 12 hours for 11 days
• Used if cholestyramine not tolerated
• May cause black stools, constipation
• Can interfere with absorption of other medications

Verification after elimination:

After completing either elimination procedure:

• Your doctor will verify teriflunomide blood levels with two tests
• Tests must be at least 14 days apart
• Both must show levels below 0.02 mg/L
• This is the level considered safe for pregnancy
• Additional elimination may be needed if levels remain elevated

When accelerated elimination is necessary:

Planning pregnancy (women):

• Mandatory before attempting conception
• Must verify safe drug levels before pregnancy
• Cannot rely on natural elimination due to extended timeframe

Planning to father children (men):

• Recommended but less critical than for women
• Reduces potential exposure through semen

Serious adverse effects:

• Severe liver injury
• Serious infections
• Severe peripheral neuropathy
• Other serious complications requiring drug discontinuation

Switching to certain other MS medications:

• Some MS therapies require Aubagio elimination first
• Prevents additive immunosuppression
• Reduces infection risks

Clinical implications of long half-life:

Contraception requirements:

• Women must use reliable contraception during treatment AND until drug elimination verified
• Cannot simply stop pills and immediately try to conceive
• Requires planning months in advance of desired pregnancy

Side effect duration:

• Some side effects may persist for months after stopping Aubagio
• Liver enzyme elevations typically resolve but monitoring needed
• Peripheral neuropathy may be slow to improve

Drug interaction risks:

• Interactions possible for months after discontinuation
• Tell new healthcare providers about previous Aubagio use
• Important for anesthesia, surgeries, new medications

Switching therapies:

• May need washout period or elimination procedure before starting new MS medication
• Discuss timing with neurologist
• Balance disease activity control with safe transition

Important patient counseling points:

• Always inform healthcare providers about current or previous Aubagio use
• Carry medical alert identification noting Aubagio therapy
• Plan pregnancy at least 3-6 months in advance of desired conception
• Don’t assume drug effects stop when pills stop
• Attend all follow-up appointments even after discontinuing

For questions about Aubagio elimination procedures or planning for pregnancy, call QuickRx specialty pharmacists at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.

Never skip doses or stop a medication without the supervision of your healthcare professional. If you need help affording your Aubagio call us- we are always here to help with financial assistance programs. 

The duration of treatment with Aubagio (Teriflunomide) will depend on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your response to treatment, and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. In general, Aubagio is taken long-term to manage relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

It is important to take Aubagio as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel well and do not experience symptoms. This will help to prevent disease relapse and manage your condition over the long-term. If you have concerns about your treatment or need to make any changes to your medication regimen, talk to your doctor.

Your doctor will monitor your response to Aubagio during regular check-ups and may adjust your dose or treatment plan as needed. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking Aubagio, contact your doctor right away.

It is important to continue taking Aubagio as directed, unless your doctor instructs you to stop. Stopping the medication suddenly can increase your risk of disease relapse and other complications. If you need to stop taking Aubagio for any reason, your doctor will provide instructions on how to safely taper off the medication.

The time it takes for Aubagio (Teriflunomide) to work can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. In general, it may take several weeks or months to see the full effects of the medication on the course of multiple sclerosis (MS).

According to clinical trials, Aubagio has been shown to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of disability in people with relapsing forms of MS. However, it is important to note that the medication may not work for everyone and that individual responses to treatment may vary.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Aubagio and to attend regular check-ups to monitor your response to treatment. If you have concerns about your treatment or experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your doctor right away. They may adjust your dose or treatment plan as needed.

No, Aubagio (Teriflunomide) is not a steroid. It is an immunomodulatory medication that works by reducing the activity of certain immune cells that contribute to the inflammation and damage seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). Aubagio is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that is classified as a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for relapsing forms of MS.

Steroids, on the other hand, are medications that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. They are sometimes used to manage acute exacerbations or relapses of MS symptoms, but they do not modify the course of the disease over the long-term.

While Aubagio and steroids may have some similar effects on the immune system, they work in different ways and are used for different purposes in the management of MS. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Aubagio or any other medication for MS, and to report any unusual symptoms or side effects you experience.

The medical information about Aubagio (teriflunomide) on this page is for educational purposes only and is sourced from:

• Aubagio (teriflunomide) [prescribing information]. Cambridge, MA: Genzyme Corporation; November 2020, December 2022, June 2024.
• Aubagio (teriflunomide) [product monograph]. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Sanofi-aventis Canada Inc; April 2024.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescribing information for Aubagio
• UpToDate Lexi-Drugs clinical drug information database (Updated October 28, 2025)
• Peer-reviewed neurology and multiple sclerosis medical literature including:
– Almas S, Vance J, Baker T, Hale T. Management of multiple sclerosis in the breastfeeding mother. Mult Scler Int. 2016;2016:6527458.
– Andersen JB, Moberg JY, Spelman T, Magyari M. Pregnancy outcomes in men and women treated with teriflunomide. Front Immunol. 2018;9:2706.
– Multiple peer-reviewed clinical trials and safety studies
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society resources
• Multiple Sclerosis Foundation educational materials

This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult your neurologist or pharmacist for guidance about your specific Aubagio treatment.

For questions about Aubagio (teriflunomide) copay assistance programs or financial help, contact QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy at (917) 839-2525 or (800) 496-6111.