Aubagio (Teriflunomide) FAQs, Facts, and Tips

Looking for Aubagio Copay Assistance? Click here to connect with our pharmacy team.

You’ve probably landed on this page because you’ve asked yourself (and Google) questions like: “What is Aubagio (or its generic counterpart Teriflunomide), how does it work, and can I even afford it?” QuickRx answers all of your questions and more about Aubagio. Welcome to our “FAQ” blogs, a series where we address the most commonly-asked questions about Aubagio and many other medications. Consider us your trusted source for Aubagio and all prescription-related questions.

What Does Aubagio Cost?

Let’s start with the main question on most people’s minds: What does Aubagio cost?

Aubagio’s cost depends on several factors unique to each person. The main factor is your insurance plan. Different plans offer different coverage, and your cost also depends on whether you’ve met your deductible. Unfortunately, your medication may cost more at the beginning of the year than in later months.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Deductible

What is a health insurance deductible and how does it work? A health insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for covered medical expenses before your insurance company contributes to costs. It’s a fixed annual amount you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in.

How Health Insurance Deductibles Work

When you enroll in a health insurance plan, your provider specifies the deductible amount. It varies by plan and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Health insurance plans often cover doctor visits, hospital stays, laboratory tests, and prescription medications. However, you may pay for these services in full until you meet your deductible.

As you receive covered medical services and incur expenses, you pay the full cost until you reach your deductible amount. You’ll pay out of pocket for doctor visits, medications, and other covered services until your expenses reach the deductible.

When Your Insurance Starts Paying

Once you’ve paid your full deductible for the year, your insurance coverage changes. Your insurance company typically starts sharing the cost of covered services according to your plan terms. This could involve paying a percentage (co-insurance) or a fixed amount (co-payment).

How Deductibles Reset Annually

In most cases, the deductible resets annually at the start of a new calendar year or policy period. You’ll need to meet the deductible again before your insurance coverage fully applies.

Review your health insurance plan documents or contact your insurance provider directly to understand your deductible details and how it applies to your coverage. Additionally, certain services may be exempt from the deductible and may have separate co-pays or coverage rules. Learn more about understanding health insurance costs.

There Is Hope with Aubagio Copay Assistance

Now that we’ve sorted that out, it’s time we reached the light at the end of the tunnel: how to get Aubagio Copay Assistance.

Numerous Aubagio copay assistance programs exist. You may have already heard of these programs called “Aubagio Copay Cards.” You’re probably asking yourself: “What’s the catch?” There always seems to be one, right?

The catch is that these Aubagio Copay Assistance Programs can be very difficult to find. To some, they may feel impossible to navigate once (if) they’ve been found. That’s where QuickRx comes in.

AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO PATIENTS, our team handles all of the legwork to get as much Aubagio Copay Assistance as possible. We make your end of the process as simple as possible. Typically, the process for obtaining Aubagio copay assistance with us starts with you filling out the Aubagio start form and submitting some supporting documentation.

That’s it! We take over from there to ensure you get every dollar for which you qualify. After that, we apply your Aubagio Copay Assistance directly to your current prescription with us and deliver it to your door if needed. We also renew your copay assistance for as long as possible.

At QuickRx, we truly believe obtaining much-needed and often life-saving prescriptions shouldn’t be difficult or costly. After all, medical care is a human right, and we do what it takes for Americans to obtain it.

What Is Aubagio Used For?

Aubagio (Teriflunomide) treats certain forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides comprehensive information about MS treatment options. Specifically, doctors prescribe Aubagio for:

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS): Aubagio reduces the frequency of relapses and delays the progression of physical disability in adults with relapsing forms of MS.

Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): Doctors prescribe Aubagio to individuals with CIS, the first episode of neurological symptoms suggestive of MS. It helps reduce the risk of developing clinically definite MS.

Active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS): Aubagio treats active SPMS in individuals who continue to experience relapses or evidence of inflammatory activity.

Aubagio is not intended for use in primary progressive MS or for individuals younger than 18 years old. Researchers don’t fully understand the exact mechanism of action of Aubagio, but it involves immunomodulatory effects that suppress the immune response contributing to inflammation and damage in MS.

Make the decision to use Aubagio or any other medication in consultation with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific condition, medical history, and individual needs.

How Does Aubagio Work?

Aubagio (Teriflunomide) treats Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Researchers don’t fully understand the exact mechanism of action, but Aubagio has immunomodulatory effects that help reduce the inflammation and damage seen in MS.

Here are some proposed ways Aubagio works:

Inhibition of pyrimidine synthesis: Aubagio inhibits pyrimidine synthesis. Pyrimidines are essential building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis. Their inhibition affects the proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, including certain immune cells. By reducing pyrimidine production, Aubagio may suppress the proliferation and activation of immune cells involved in the inflammatory process of MS.

Effects on immune cell activation: Aubagio inhibits the activation of immune cells, including T cells and B cells, which play a role in the immune response in MS. By dampening the activation of these cells, Aubagio helps reduce immune-mediated inflammation and damage to the central nervous system.

Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Aubagio decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These cytokines contribute to the inflammatory response in MS, and their reduction helps mitigate the inflammatory process.

By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, Aubagio aims to decrease the frequency of relapses, delay the progression of disability, and improve overall outcomes for individuals with relapsing forms of MS. The FDA provides detailed prescribing information for Aubagio.

The specific mechanisms through which Aubagio works in MS may still be the subject of ongoing research, and the full understanding of its action may continue to evolve. Consult with a healthcare professional for detailed information about Aubagio and its effects in your specific case.

Can I Take Aubagio During Pregnancy?

Aubagio (Teriflunomide) has potential risks to a developing fetus, and doctors generally do not recommend it for use during pregnancy. The use of Aubagio in pregnant women or women of childbearing potential requires careful consideration and discussion with a healthcare professional.

Here’s important information regarding Aubagio and pregnancy:

Teratogenic effects: Aubagio has been associated with fetal harm in animal studies, including birth defects and embryofetal death. The active metabolite of Aubagio, which has a longer half-life than the parent compound, can persist in the body for an extended period. Therefore, there is a risk of fetal exposure even after discontinuing Aubagio.

Pregnancy planning: If you plan to become pregnant, discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. In certain cases, a gradual elimination procedure called an “Aubagio elimination procedure” may be recommended to help reduce the level of Teriflunomide in the body before attempting to conceive.

Contraception: Use reliable contraception methods while taking Aubagio to prevent unintended pregnancy. Aubagio has a long half-life, so the medication takes a significant amount of time to be eliminated from the body.

Pregnancy registry: The Aubagio Pregnancy Registry collects information on pregnancies occurring in women who have been exposed to Aubagio. Participation in such registries can help provide valuable data on the safety of medications during pregnancy.

Consult with your healthcare provider if you are considering pregnancy, are pregnant, or become pregnant while taking Aubagio. They can provide specific guidance based on your individual circumstances and help weigh the potential risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing Aubagio in your situation. Learn more about medication safety during pregnancy from the CDC.

What Are the Alternatives to Aubagio for Multiple Sclerosis?

Several alternative medications are available for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment if Aubagio (Teriflunomide) is not suitable or preferred. The choice of alternative depends on various factors such as the specific type and severity of MS, individual patient characteristics, and treatment goals. Here are some common alternative options:

Interferons: Interferon beta medications, such as Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif, are commonly prescribed for MS. They modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. These medications are available in different formulations (intramuscular, subcutaneous) and dosing schedules.

Glatiramer acetate: Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Glatopa) is another commonly prescribed medication for MS. It is a synthetic protein that resembles myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers. It modifies the immune response and reduces inflammation.

Dimethyl fumarate: Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) treats relapsing forms of MS. Researchers believe it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, although they don’t fully understand its exact mechanism of action.

Natalizumab: Natalizumab (Tysabri) treats moderate to severe relapsing forms of MS through intravenous infusion. It blocks specific immune cells from entering the central nervous system, thereby reducing inflammation.

Fingolimod: Fingolimod (Gilenya) modulates the immune system by trapping certain immune cells in the lymph nodes. This prevents them from reaching the central nervous system and causing inflammation.

Ocrelizumab: Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) treats both relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS through intravenous infusion. It targets specific immune cells involved in the immune response against myelin, reducing inflammation and disease activity.

These are just a few examples of alternative medications for MS. Consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or MS specialist, who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on your individual needs and circumstances.

What Is the Cost of Aubagio Without Insurance?

For many Americans, Aubagio costs thousands of dollars without insurance or copay assistance. Without help to reduce costs, this medication remains financially out of reach. Before you close this page, know this: QuickRx accesses hundreds of copay assistance programs, and we help every person we can.

What Is Aubagio Copay Assistance, and How Does It Work?

Many Aubagio (Teriflunomide) copay assistance programs help offset medication costs for qualifying patients. You can find these programs in two main places: manufacturers offer savings programs (similar to coupons), and non-profit organizations provide financial assistance.

The biggest barrier? Most patients don’t know these programs exist or how to access savings through their pharmacy. That is exactly where QuickRx comes in.

We have a team fully dedicated to helping people access all available cost-saving options for their medications. Our team already has the knowledge of how and where to locate the savings. We often have existing relationships with the entities offering the savings. This means the process can be faster and easier for everyone involved, especially you.

Does the Copay Assistance Program Cost Me Any Money?

NO! Participating in any savings program never costs you money. Furthermore, with QuickRx the charges for these services will never be reflected in your copays or anywhere else in our services.

How Do I Find Out If I Qualify for Aubagio Copay Assistance Programs?

It’s super simple to find out if you qualify. You can either click the button at the bottom of this article and fill out the form, or you can give us a call directly at any time during normal business hours.

Is Aubagio Covered by Medicare and/or Traditional Insurance?

Medicare and traditional insurance coverage for Aubagio (Teriflunomide) varies based on your specific plan, formulary coverage, and individual eligibility. Check with your insurance provider or Medicare directly to determine the coverage details for Aubagio in your specific situation. Medicare.gov provides detailed information about prescription drug coverage.

Understanding Medicare Part D Coverage

Medicare provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans typically cover medications like Aubagio. However, coverage varies among different plans. Review the formulary or drug list of your specific Medicare Part D plan to determine whether Aubagio is covered and at what cost-sharing level.

Traditional Insurance Coverage Options

Coverage for Aubagio under traditional insurance plans (such as employer-sponsored plans or individual plans) varies based on the specific policy and formulary. Review your insurance plan’s drug formulary or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the coverage details, including any copayments, deductibles, or prior authorization requirements.

Prior Authorization Requirements

Some insurance plans, including Medicare Part D plans, may require prior authorization or step therapy before covering Aubagio. Prior authorization involves obtaining approval from the insurance company before the medication is covered. Step therapy requires trying and failing other specified medications before Aubagio can be prescribed.

Patient Assistance Programs

If Aubagio is not covered by your insurance or the out-of-pocket costs are high, explore patient assistance programs offered by the drug manufacturer. These programs provide financial assistance or discounts to eligible individuals who meet specific criteria. Contact the manufacturer or visit their website to learn about available assistance programs.

Coverage for Aubagio varies by insurance plan and location. Verify the coverage details, including copayments, deductibles, and specific requirements, with your insurance provider or Medicare to understand the extent of coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Our team helps you navigate all of this. Call any of our pharmacy locations or headquarters. We’ll answer all your questions about insurance, medications, and prescriptions.

Contact QuickRx today and see the difference we make. Start your Aubagio copay assistance application now.