TIRIFOMA
TERIFLUNOMIDE
What it does
Teriflunomide is a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions by helping to reduce inflammation.
Commonly used for: multiple sclerosis (MS), autoimmune diseases
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:29:10 · updated 2026-09-27 04:00:59
Drug Interactions
66Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Teriflunomide appears in TABLE 1: Drugs that cause hepatotoxicity
Severe (1)
Teriflunomide - increases risk of immunosuppression
Filgotinib is predicted to increase the risk of immunosuppression when given with teriflunomide. Avoid.
Moderate (3)
Cladribine - increases exposure
Teriflunomide is predicted to increase the exposure to cladribine. Avoid or adjust dose. Theoretical Clarithromycin → see macrolides Clavulanate → see TABLE 1 p. 1517 (hepatotoxicity) Clemastine → see
Olanzapine - decreases exposure
Teriflunomideispredictedtodecreasetheexposureto olanzapine.Monitorandadjustdose.oStudy com/codemedicalapps/ cal Applications)
Theophylline - decreases exposure
Teriflunomide is predicted to decrease the exposure to theophylline. Adjust dose.
Unknown (62)
Adefovir - increases exposure
Teriflunomideispredictedtoincreasetheexposuretoadefovir. oStudy Adenosine →seeantiarrhythmics Adrenaline/epinephrine →seesympathomimetics,vasoconstrictor Afatinib
Agomelatine - decreases exposure
Teriflunomideispredictedtodecreasetheexposureto agomelatine.oTheoretical
Alpelisib - increases exposure
Teriflunomide is predicted to increase the exposure to alpelisib. Theoretical Alphablockers → see TABLE 7 p. 1518 (first-dose hypotension), TABLE 8 p. 1518 (hypotension) ... alfuzosin doxazosin indora
Aminophylline - decreases exposure
Teriflunomide decreases the exposure to aminophylline. Adjust dose.
Anaesthetics,local - decreases exposure
Teriflunomide is predicted to decrease the exposure to anaesthetics, local (ropivacaine).
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Teriflunomide is a medication used to treat certain autoimmune conditions by helping to reduce inflammation.
What it treats
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- autoimmune diseases
How it works
It works by slowing down the immune system to reduce its attack on the nervous system.
Who it's for
This medication is for adults diagnosed with specific autoimmune conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if taking other medications that can harm the liver.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Teriflunomide
BNF-referencedTeriflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug primarily used in the management of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a metabolite of leflunomide, which inhibits the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, leading to decreased pyrimidine synthesis. This reduction in pyrimidine availability impacts lymphocyte proliferation and function, thereby modulating the immune response in MS patients.
Indications
- Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Dosage
Adults: 14 mg once daily, initiated by a specialist.
Mechanism of action
Teriflunomide acts by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, which is crucial for pyrimidine synthesis. This inhibition reduces the proliferation of activated lymphocytes in the central nervous system, contributing to its immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Pharmacodynamics
As an immunomodulatory agent, teriflunomide decreases the number of activated lymphocytes in the central nervous system. This leads to anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects, which are beneficial in controlling the symptoms and progression of multiple sclerosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Teriflunomide is well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1 hour post-dose. It has a long half-life due to its active metabolite, resulting in prolonged effects. It is predominantly metabolized in the liver, with renal excretion playing a minor role in its elimination. Monitoring of liver function is necessary due to potential hepatotoxicity.
Contra-indications
- Pregnancy
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Severe immunodeficiency
Adverse effects
- Hepatic injury
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Alopecia
- Hypertension
- Skin rash
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Respiratory infections
Interactions
- filgotinib (severe - increases risk of immunosuppression)
- olanzapine (moderate - decreases exposure)
- cladribine (moderate - increases exposure)
- theophylline (moderate - decreases exposure)
- adefovir (unknown - increases exposure)
- agomelatine (unknown - decreases exposure)
- alpelisib (unknown - increases exposure)
- aminophylline (unknown - decreases exposure)
- ropivacaine (unknown - decreases exposure)
- anthracyclines (unknown - increases exposure)
Precautions
- Monitor liver function regularly, especially during the first 6 months of treatment
- Assess for interstitial lung disease in patients with dyspnea
- Use caution in patients over 65 years
- Monitor blood pressure periodically
- Consider accelerated elimination procedures if serious adverse effects occur
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy due to toxicity observed in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Present in milk in animal studies; manufacturer advises to avoid use during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and protect from light.
Formulations
- 14 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Teriflunomide
PubChem CID 54684141Molecular formula: C12H9F3N2O2
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism by which teriflunomide acts in MS is not known. What is known is that teriflunomide prevents pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, and this may be involved in its immunomodulatory effect in MS.
Pharmacodynamics
Teriflunomide is an immunomodulatory agent that decreases the amount of activated CNS lymphocytes, which results in anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.