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Compare Gilenya vs. Aubagio

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Gilenya (fingolimod) and Aubagio (teriflunomide) are both oral medications used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they work in different ways. Gilenya is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator that lowers the number of white blood cells to reduce nerve damage, while Aubagio is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that calms the immune system by blocking a specific enzyme. Gilenya can be used in both adults and children aged 10 and older, whereas Aubagio is only for adults. Gilenya requires close monitoring for heart issues, especially during the first dose, and can cause serious side effects like infections and liver problems. Aubagio also has serious risks, including liver damage and severe skin reactions, and it can stay in your body for up to two years after stopping. Both medications are not safe during pregnancy and require birth control use. Gilenya is available in two forms: a capsule and an orally disintegrating tablet, while Aubagio is only available as a tablet.

  • Fingolimod (Gilenya)
    Teriflunomide (Aubagio)
  • Fingolimod (Gilenya)
    Teriflunomide (Aubagio)

  • Summary of Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Summary for Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
    Prescription only

    Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a disease-modifying treatment option for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). It works well to lower the number of MS relapses. Fingolimod (Gilenya) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, and can be used by adults and children age 10 years and older. But fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause potentially serious side effects, such as a higher risk for infections and heart problems, so it's not the best choice for everyone.

    Summary for Disease-modifying therapy
    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 of Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Indications for
    •Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Pros and Cons of Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Pros and Const for Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
    Pros
    •Works well in both adults and children to lower the number of MS relapses
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Can be used in children age 10 and older
    Cons
    •First dose usually has to be observed for at least 6 hours
    •Might not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Not a good option for people with heart or liver problems
    Pros and Const for Disease-modifying therapy
    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 of Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (25%)
    •High liver enyzmes (15%)
    •Nausea (13%)
    •Diarrhea (13%)
    •Cough (12%)
    •Stomach pain (11%)
    •Influenza (11%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Pain in back (10%)
    •Pain in arms or legs (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously slow heart rate
    •Serious infections
    •Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
    •Eye problems
    •Liver damage
    •Breathing problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Risk of cancer
    •Brain problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Gilenya vs. Aubagio

    Learn more about Fingolimod
    Learn more about Teriflunomide

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