MS Speaks

Multiple Sclerosis => TREATMENTS => AUBAGIO (teriflunomide) => Topic started by: ewizabeth on December 26, 2018, 11:46:45 am

Title: Gastro issues as a side effect of Aubagio.
Post by: ewizabeth on December 26, 2018, 11:46:45 am
One of the most reported side effects for Aubagio is diarrhea, stomach upset and related symptoms, especially early in treatment. I had what I would describe as near-diarrhea for the three-plus years of taking Aubagio. It was getting worse in the fourth year and I was tired of spending 3-4 hours a day in the bathroom. We were going through a lot of toilet paper too. I stopped the drug on October 26th and I haven't notified the doctor yet but I'll see him early in January to see what the next options will be.


He has mentioned in the past that I might not need medication now because my MRIs have been clear for at least six years. I'm sixty years old now and sometimes MS inflammation ends later on in life. If I do need to take something, I'll go back on the 3x weekly dose of Copaxone in the generic form.
Title: Re: Gastro issues as a side effect of Aubagio.
Post by: agate on December 26, 2018, 04:32:04 pm
That's what I would do too though so far I can't say I've been tempted to go that route. It's hard to tell which of my problems are due to aging and which to MS at this point. I like to think that most of them are due to aging. If I felt they were new MS problems, I might be more inclined to think about Copaxone or even the new one that is supposed to be for SPMS, siponimod, when it becomes available.


The overactive bowel or near-diarrhea while on Aubagio must have been dreary. I'm not on Aubagio but I  have that problem. For me it's brought on by stress.  The toilet paper use can be extreme, and after so much bathroom activity my skin was raw, and so nothing but the very best (= priciest) toilet paper would do.