Aubagio vs. Ocrevus for Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Teriflunomide

(Aubagio)

Ocrevus

(ocrelizumab)

Summary for Aubagio

Prescription only

Teriflunomide (Aubagio) helps treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It's a type of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that helps slow down MS and lower the number of relapses. The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. Side effects includes headache, diarrhea, and hair loss. Teriflunomide (Aubagio) comes as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Aubagio

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Aubagio

Pros

Helps prevent MS relapse and slow MS from getting worse
A tablet that's taken by mouth once per day
Can take with or without food

Cons

Higher risk of infection
Has a risk of severe liver damage
Might need to follow special instructions to help get rid of it from your body faster in certain situations
Can't take during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Aubagio

Headache (up to 18%)
Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 15%)
Diarrhea (up to 14%)
Hair loss (up to 13%)
Nausea (up to 11%)

Warnings for Aubagio

Liver problems
Harm to an unborn baby
Special instructions to remove teriflunomide (Aubagio) from the body quickly
Risk of serious infections
Serious skin reactions
Severe allergic reactions
Nerve problems
Lung problems

Summary for Ocrevus

Prescription only

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It can also treat certain children 10 years and older with relapsing-remitting MS. Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody. It's given as an infusion through the vein every 6 months at a medical center or clinic. A trained healthcare professional will help give Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to you. Side effects can include a higher risk of infections and infusion reactions.

Indications for Ocrevus

All types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults
Relapsing-remitting MS in children 10 years and older who weigh at least 55 lbs

Pros and Cons for Ocrevus

Pros

Given twice a year (after a couple starter doses)
Can help lessen the number of MS relapses
Approved for all types of MS in adults
Also approved for MS in certain children ages 10 years and older
Might be better tolerated than some other injectable MS medications

Cons

Must be given as an infusion through the vein
Each infusion takes a few hours
Can cause infusion reactions (like itching, flushing, nausea, and fast heartbeat)
Can raise your risk of infections
Doesn't cure MS