Key takeaways
Teriflunomide (Aubagio) and dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) are both medications used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. They are both disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) but belong to different drug classes. Teriflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, while dimethyl fumarate is a fumaric acid derivative. Teriflunomide is taken as a tablet once a day, whereas dimethyl fumarate is taken as a capsule twice a day. Both medications are available in generic forms, which can be more affordable. Common side effects of teriflunomide include headache, diarrhea, and hair loss, while dimethyl fumarate often causes flushing and stomach upset. Teriflunomide can interact with medications like warfarin, while dimethyl fumarate has no known interactions with other medications. Both medications can weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of infections and require careful monitoring for liver damage, but teriflunomide has specific instructions for removal from the body if needed.
