Does Aubagio cause weight gain or loss?
Weight loss is reported as a common side effect of Aubagio, occurring in 1% to 10% of people in post-marketing studies, although it is not listed as a side effect in the product information. Rapid weight gain has also been reported with Aubagio, but this is considered uncommon.
It is unknown why weight loss occurs, but people taking Aubagio who have experienced weight loss report that:
- Eating food makes them feel sick
- Foods do not taste the same anymore while taking Aubagio and they are unable to enjoy food
- Their mouth has become sensitive to spices, and they find condiments such as black pepper now too hot for them whereas previously they enjoyed jalapenos and other spicy-hot foods
- They have no appetite
- They are experiencing constant and/or severe diarrhea. This is a common side effect of Aubagio that is documented in the product information and is experienced by up to 14% of people
- They feel nauseous if they eat too much (nausea is experienced by up to 11% of people taking Aubagio)
- They have a metallic-like taste in their mouth.
Weight gain can also be a common side effect of multiple sclerosis (MS) because MS symptoms can make doing exercise difficult as can side effects such as fatigue or being prescribed certain other medications, such as steroids.
References
- Aubagio (teriflunomide). Updated 07/2021. Genzyme Corporation https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/aubagio.html
- Aubagio (teriflunomide). 2021. https://www.aubagio.com/
Read next
Who makes Aubagio and where is it made?
Aubagio is made by Sanofi Genzyme which is the specialty care business arm of Sanofi. It is unclear where Aubagio is manufactured, as Sanofi has 69 manufacturing sites in 32 countries, but the new digital manufacturing site in Framingham, Ma, USA has been reported to make medicines for Sanofi Genzyme’s specialty care portfolio. Aubagio is a specialty medicine that may be used for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Continue reading
Does Aubagio help with fatigue?
Aubagio is unlikely to reduce fatigue associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 85% of patients with MS report fatigue and 76.6% report that fatigue has a significant impact on their lives. One study found ponesimod to be superior to Aubagio at reducing fatigue as measured by The Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire–Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis which is a patient-reported questionnaire designed to assess fatigue-related symptoms and how they affect people with MS. The investigators found that the fatigue of ponesimod patients stabilized, while that of the Aubagio patients worsened over time. Continue reading
Should I take Aubagio in the morning or night?
It does not matter if you take Aubagio in the morning or at night. But you must take it at around the same time each day. So if you decide to take your Aubagio in the morning, then take it every morning. If you decide to take it at night then take it every night. If you experience fatigue, tiredness, or weakness with Aubagio, you may find it better to take it at night. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Aubagio Information for Consumers
- Aubagio prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Aubagio (detailed)
Related support groups
- Aubagio (11 questions, 29 members)
- Multiple Sclerosis (96 questions, 551 members)