Key takeaways
Teriflunomide (Aubagio) and glatiramer (Copaxone, Glatopa) are both medications used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). They are both disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), but they belong to different medication classes and have different methods of administration. Teriflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor taken orally once a day, while glatiramer is injected under the skin either daily or three times a week, depending on the dose. Teriflunomide is available in both brand-name and generic forms, whereas glatiramer is available as prefilled syringes and autoinjectors. Common side effects of teriflunomide include headache, diarrhea, and hair loss, while glatiramer often causes injection site reactions like redness and pain. Teriflunomide can interact with medications like warfarin and may require a washout procedure if stopped, whereas glatiramer does not have these specific concerns. Additionally, teriflunomide poses a risk of liver damage and is not recommended during pregnancy, while glatiramer's safety during pregnancy is not well-studied.
