Teriflunomide

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Aubagio, Teriflunomide

Brand Names: Aubagio, Teriflunomide
Drug Class: Pyrimidine Synthesis Inhibitor [EPC]
Route: ORAL
Dosage Form: TABLET, FILM COATED
Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY and EMBRYOFETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Hepatotoxicity Clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with teriflunomide in the postmarketing setting ( 5.1 ). Concomitant use of teriflunomide with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of severe liver injury. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels within 6 months before initiation of teriflunomide and monitor ALT levels at least monthly for six months ( 5.1 ). If drug induced liver injury is suspected, discontinue teriflunomide and start accelerated elimination procedure ( 5.3 ). Embryofetal Toxicity Teratogenicity and embryolethality occurred in animals administered teriflunomide ( 5.2 , 8.1 ). Exclude pregnancy prior to initiating teriflunomide therapy ( 4 , 5.2 , 8.1 , 8.3 ). Advise use of effective contraception in females of reproductive potential during treatment and during an accelerated drug elimination procedure ( 4 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 8.1 , 8.3 ). Stop teriflunomide and use an accelerated drug elimination procedure if the patient becomes pregnant ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 8.1 ). Hepatotoxicity Clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with teriflunomide in the postmarketing setting [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Concomitant use of teriflunomide with other hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of severe liver injury. Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels within 6 months before initiation of teriflunomide therapy. Monitor ALT levels at least monthly for six months after starting teriflunomide [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. If drug induced liver injury is suspected, discontinue teriflunomide and start an accelerated elimination procedure with cholestyramine or charcoal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) ] . Patients with pre-existing liver disease may be at increased risk of developing elevated serum transaminases when taking teriflunomide. Embryofetal Toxicity Teriflunomide is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in females of reproductive potential who are not using effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm. Teratogenicity and embryolethality occurred in animals at plasma teriflunomide exposures lower than that in humans. Exclude pregnancy before the start of treatment with teriflunomide in females of reproductive potential. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during teriflunomide treatment and during an accelerated drug elimination procedure after teriflunomide treatment. Stop teriflunomide and use an accelerated drug elimination procedure if the patient becomes pregnant [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3 ) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Teriflunomide is an oral de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor of the DHO-DH enzyme, with the chemical name (Z)-2-Cyano-3-hydroxy-but-2-enoic acid-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-amide. Its molecular weight is 270.21, and the empirical formula is C 12 H 9 F 3 N 2 O 2 with the following chemical structure: Teriflunomide is a white to off-white solid that is practically insoluble in acetone, slightly soluble in ethanol, very slightly soluble in polyethylene glycol and isopropanol, and insoluble in water. Teriflunomide is formulated as film-coated tablets for oral administration. Teriflunomide tablet contain 7 mg or 14 mg of teriflunomide and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, maize starch B, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate. The film coating for the 7 mg and 14 mg tablet contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and talc. Chemical Structure

What Is Teriflunomide Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Teriflunomide tablet is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Teriflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of teriflunomide tablet is 7 mg or 14 mg orally once daily. Teriflunomide tablet can be taken with or without food. Monitoring to Assess Safety Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels within 6 months before initiation of teriflunomide tablet therapy. Monitor ALT levels at least monthly for six months after starting teriflunomide tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC) within 6 months before the initiation of treatment with teriflunomide tablets. Further monitoring should be based on signs and symptoms of infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Prior to initiating teriflunomide tablets, screen patients for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test or blood test for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Exclude pregnancy prior to initiation of treatment with teriflunomide tablets in females of reproductive potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Check blood pressure before start of teriflunomide tablets treatment and periodically thereafter [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . 7 mg or 14 mg orally once daily, with or without food. ( 2 )

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the prescribing information: Hepatotoxicity [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Bone Marrow Effects/Immunosuppression Potential/Infections [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Increased Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Respiratory Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Pancreatitis in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥10% and ≥2% greater than placebo): headache, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, increase in ALT. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biocon Pharma Inc., at 1-866-924-6266 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. A total of 2047 patients receiving teriflunomide (7 mg or 14 mg once daily) constituted the safety population in the pooled analysis of placebo-controlled studies in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; of these, 71% were female. The average age was 37 years. Table 1 lists adverse reactions in placebo-controlled trials with rates that were at least 2% for teriflunomide patients and also at least 2% above the rate in placebo patients. The most common were headache, an increase in ALT, diarrhea, alopecia, and nausea. The adverse reaction most commonly associated with discontinuation was an increase in ALT (3.3%, 2.6%, and 2.3% of all patients in the teriflunomide 7 mg, teriflunomide 14 mg, and placebo treatment arms, respectively). Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Studies in Patients with Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis Adverse Reaction Teriflunomide 7 mg (N=1045) Teriflunomide 14 mg (N=1002) Placebo (N=997) Headache 18% 16% 15% Increase in Alanine aminotransferase 13% 15% 9% Diarrhea 13% 14% 8% Alopecia 10% 13% 5% Nausea 8% 11% 7% Paresthesia 8% 9% 7% Arthralgia 8% 6% 5% Neutropenia 4% 6% 2% Hypertension 3% 4% 2% Cardiovascular Deaths Four cardiovascular deaths, including three sudden deaths, and one myocardial infarction in a patient with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension were reported among approximately 2600 patients exposed to teriflunomide in the premarketing database. These cardiovascular deaths occurred during uncontrolled extension studies, one to nine years after initiation of treatment. A relationship between teriflunomide and cardiovascular death has not been established. Acute Renal Failure In placebo-controlled studies, creatinine values increased more than 100% over baseline in 8/1045 (0.8%) patients in the 7 mg teriflunomide group and 6/1002 (0.6%) patients in the 14 mg teriflunomide group versus 4/997 (0.4%) patients in the placebo group. These elevations were transient. Some elevations were accompanied by hyperkalemia. Teriflunomide may cause acute uric acid nephropathy with transient acute renal failure because teriflunomide increases renal uric acid clearance. Hypophosphatemia In clinical trials, 18% of teriflunomide-treated patients had hypophosphatemia with serum phosphorus levels of at least 0.6 mmol/L, compared to 7% of placebo-treated patients; 4% of teriflunomide-treated patients had hypophosphatemia with serum phosphorus levels at least 0.3 mmol/L but less than 0.6 mmol/L, compared to 0.8% of placebo-treated patients. No patient in any treatment group had a serum phosphorus below 0.3 mmol/L. 6.2 Postmarketing...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 and OAT3 transporters: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may increase exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Teriflunomide may increase exposure of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Choose an appropriate oral contraceptive. ( 7 ) Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may decrease exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Warfarin: Monitor INR as teriflunomide may decrease INR. ( 7 ) Drugs metabolized by BCRP and OATP1B1/B3 transporters: Monitor patients because teriflunomide may increase exposure of these drugs. ( 7 ) Rosuvastatin: The dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily in patients taking teriflunomide tablets. ( 7 ) Effect of Teriflunomide on CYP2C8 Substrates Teriflunomide is an inhibitor of CYP2C8 in vivo . In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 (e.g., paclitaxel, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rosiglitazone) may be increased. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) metabolized by CYP2C8 as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Effect of Teriflunomide on Warfarin Coadministration of teriflunomide with warfarin requires close monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) because teriflunomide may decrease peak INR by approximately 25%. Effect of Teriflunomide on Oral Contraceptives Teriflunomide may increase the systemic exposures of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Consideration should be given to the type or dose of contraceptives used in combination with teriflunomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Effect of Teriflunomide on CYP1A2 Substrates Teriflunomide may be a weak inducer of CYP1A2 in vivo . In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., alosetron, duloxetine, theophylline, tizanidine) may be reduced. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) metabolized by CYP1A2 as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Effect of Teriflunomide on Organic Anion Transporter 3 (OAT3) Substrates Teriflunomide inhibits the activity of OAT3 in vivo . In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs which are OAT3 substrates (e.g., cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, ketoprofen, furosemide, methotrexate, zidovudine) may be increased. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) which are OAT3 substrates as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Effect of Teriflunomide on BCRP and Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide B1 and B3 (OATP1B1/1B3) Substrates Teriflunomide inhibits the activity of BCRP and OATP1B1/1B3 in vivo . For a patient taking teriflunomide, the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily. For other substrates of BCRP (e.g., mitoxantrone) and drugs in the OATP family (e.g., methotrexate, rifampin), especially HMG-Co reductase inhibitors (e.g., atorvastatin, nateglinide, pravastatin, repaglinide, and simvastatin), consider reducing the...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 , 5.1 ) Pregnancy ( 4 , 5.2 , 8.1 ) Hypersensitivity ( 4 , 5.5 ) Current leflunomide treatment ( 4 ) Teriflunomide tablets are contraindicated in/with: Patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )]. Pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception. Teriflunomide tablet may cause fetal harm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3 ) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to teriflunomide, leflunomide, or to any of the inactive ingredients in teriflunomide tablet. Reactions have included anaphylaxis, angioedema, and serious skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Coadministration with leflunomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Teriflunomide is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm based on animal data [ see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. In animal reproduction studies in rat and rabbit, oral administration of teriflunomide during organogenesis caused teratogenicity and embryolethality at plasma exposures (AUC) lower than that at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 14 mg/day [see Data ] . Available human data from pregnancy registries, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance cases, and published literature are too limited to draw any conclusions, but they do not clearly indicate increased birth defects or miscarriage associated with inadvertent teriflunomide exposure in the early first trimester when followed by an accelerated elimination procedure [see Clinical Considerations and Data] . There are no human data pertaining to exposures later in the first trimester or beyond. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Lowering the plasma concentration of teriflunomide by instituting an accelerated drug elimination procedure as soon as pregnancy is detected may decrease the risk to the fetus from teriflunomide. The accelerated drug elimination procedure includes verification that the plasma teriflunomide concentration is less than 0.02 mg/L [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Data Human data Available human data are limited. Prospectively reported data (from clinical trials and postmarketing reports) from >150 pregnancies in patients treated with teriflunomide and >300 pregnancies in patients...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE There is no experience regarding teriflunomide overdose or intoxication in humans. Teriflunomide 70 mg daily up to 14 days was well tolerated by healthy subjects. In the event of clinically significant overdose or toxicity, cholestyramine or activated charcoal is recommended to accelerate elimination [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Teriflunomide is available as 7 mg and 14 mg tablets. The 14 mg tablet is white to off white, pentagonal, film coated tablet debossed with B on one side and 14 on the other side. Each tablet contains 14 mg of teriflunomide. The 7 mg tablet is white to off white, hexagonal, film coated tablet debossed with B on one side and 7 on the other side. Each tablet contains 7 mg of teriflunomide. Teriflunomide tablet 14 mg are supplied as: NDC 70377-018-91 Carton of 28 tablets containing 1 wallet composed of 2 folded blister cards of 14 tablets per blister card NDC 70377-018-11 Bottle of 30 tablets Teriflunomide tablet 7 mg are supplied as: NDC 70377-017-91 Carton of 28 tablets containing 1 wallet composed of 2 folded blister cards of 14 tablets per blister card NDC 70377-017-11 Bottle of 30 tablets Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.