TERIFLUNOMIDE

65/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by Genzyme Corporation

Teriflunomide Adverse Events: Moderate Safety Concerns

108,080 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About TERIFLUNOMIDE

TERIFLUNOMIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Genzyme Corporation. Based on analysis of 108,080 FDA adverse event reports, TERIFLUNOMIDE has a safety score of 65 out of 100. This moderate score indicates a notable volume of adverse event reports that patients and providers should be aware of. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for TERIFLUNOMIDE include ALOPECIA, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RELAPSE, FATIGUE, DIARRHOEA, FALL. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for TERIFLUNOMIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Teriflunomide has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 108,080 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Genzyme Corporation.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Alopecia, Multiple Sclerosis Relapse, Fatigue. Of classified reports, 43.2% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. The most common adverse reactions include alopecia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, indicating a broad spectrum of potential side effects.

Serious adverse events, such as falls, depression, and hospitalization, account for nearly 43% of reports, suggesting significant safety concerns. The drug is associated with cognitive and neurological issues, including memory impairment and paraesthesia, which may impact quality of life. Drug interactions and dose omissions are frequently reported, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and adherence. The safety profile shows a high incidence of psychiatric and neurological symptoms, which may require close monitoring in patients.

Patients taking Teriflunomide should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Teriflunomide is associated with multiple drug interactions, and patients should be cautious about potential interactions with other medications. Dose omissions and misuse are common, necessitating strict adherence to prescribed dosing. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 65/100

Teriflunomide received a safety concern score of 65/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 43.2% serious event ratio across 44,666 classified reports. The score accounts for 108,080 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

ALOPECIA6,066 reports
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RELAPSE5,211 reports
FATIGUE4,755 reports
DIARRHOEA4,744 reports
FALL3,332 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA3,166 reports
HEADACHE2,996 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE2,813 reports
PARAESTHESIA2,809 reports
NAUSEA2,741 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE2,480 reports
PAIN2,230 reports
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS2,213 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED2,007 reports
DEPRESSION1,787 reports
BALANCE DISORDER1,781 reports
ASTHENIA1,715 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT1,654 reports
DIZZINESS1,649 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,634 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE1,450 reports
MUSCULAR WEAKNESS1,270 reports
MALAISE1,218 reports
DRUG DOSE OMISSION1,174 reports
RASH1,164 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION1,128 reports
PRURITUS1,105 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,072 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,052 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL1,044 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,039 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED1,031 reports
BACK PAIN1,028 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,009 reports
HYPERTENSION992 reports
UNEVALUABLE EVENT980 reports
VOMITING972 reports
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT942 reports
COUGH921 reports
DYSPNOEA920 reports
INSOMNIA878 reports
ARTHRALGIA853 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED817 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS790 reports
TREMOR778 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER769 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS709 reports
ANXIETY681 reports
DECREASED APPETITE679 reports
DEPRESSED MOOD672 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED671 reports
PYREXIA635 reports
COGNITIVE DISORDER616 reports
VISION BLURRED588 reports
BURNING SENSATION585 reports
COVID 19570 reports
PNEUMONIA566 reports
STRESS545 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN541 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING524 reports
CONSTIPATION492 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER492 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY492 reports
NEUROPATHY PERIPHERAL492 reports
LIMB DISCOMFORT482 reports
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT DECREASED468 reports
MIGRAINE462 reports
INFLUENZA443 reports
SEIZURE433 reports
CONTUSION421 reports
BLADDER DISORDER420 reports
HOSPITALISATION418 reports
URINARY INCONTINENCE414 reports
OFF LABEL USE408 reports
MYALGIA407 reports
SPEECH DISORDER404 reports
INFLUENZA LIKE ILLNESS400 reports
MUSCLE SPASTICITY397 reports
SOMNOLENCE386 reports
DEATH379 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE377 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE373 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION IN ERROR373 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION373 reports
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM LESION368 reports
CHEST PAIN361 reports
LOSS OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY ACTIVITIES339 reports
SLEEP DISORDER339 reports
ERYTHEMA337 reports
SINUSITIS334 reports
VERTIGO328 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED321 reports
MOVEMENT DISORDER318 reports
BRONCHITIS311 reports
AMNESIA302 reports
INFECTION299 reports
URTICARIA295 reports
FLUSHING293 reports
POLLAKIURIA284 reports
THERAPY CESSATION284 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Falls and balance disorders are notable safety signals, especially in older patients.
  • Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and confusion, are frequent and may require regular assessment.
  • Neurological symptoms, including paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy, are common and may indicate potential long-term effects.
  • Serious adverse events like hospitalization and death are reported, indicating a need for vigilance.
  • Drug dose omissions and use issues are frequently reported, suggesting potential misuse or misunderstanding of the medication.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 33,098, Male: 8,020, Unknown: 215. The most frequently reported age groups are age 55 (997 reports), age 54 (987 reports), age 56 (970 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 44,666 classified reports for TERIFLUNOMIDE:

  • Serious: 19,306 reports (43.2%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 25,360 reports (56.8%)
Serious 43.2%Non-Serious 56.8%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female33,098 (80.1%)
Male8,020 (19.4%)
Unknown215 (0.5%)

Reports by Age

Age 55997 reports
Age 54987 reports
Age 56970 reports
Age 52957 reports
Age 58950 reports
Age 59939 reports
Age 60928 reports
Age 53918 reports
Age 50913 reports
Age 51899 reports
Age 57894 reports
Age 61884 reports
Age 49830 reports
Age 62804 reports
Age 47780 reports
Age 48778 reports
Age 63742 reports
Age 46724 reports
Age 45713 reports
Age 64694 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Teriflunomide is associated with multiple drug interactions, and patients should be cautious about potential interactions with other medications. Dose omissions and misuse are common, necessitating strict adherence to prescribed dosing.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Teriflunomide, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include alopecia, multiple sclerosis relapse, fatigue, diarrhoea, fall. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and confusion, and report any changes to your healthcare provider. Be aware of potential falls and balance issues, especially if you are elderly or have pre-existing mobility concerns. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with the FDA monitoring adverse events and adjusting safety guidelines as necessary. Patients should report any adverse reactions promptly and follow prescribed dosing instructions closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Teriflunomide?

The FDA has received approximately 108,080 adverse event reports associated with Teriflunomide. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Teriflunomide?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Teriflunomide include Alopecia, Multiple Sclerosis Relapse, Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Fall. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Alopecia (6,066 reports), Multiple Sclerosis Relapse (5,211 reports), Fatigue (4,755 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Teriflunomide.

What percentage of Teriflunomide adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 44,666 classified reports, 19,306 (43.2%) were classified as serious and 25,360 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Teriflunomide (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Teriflunomide break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 33,098, Male: 8,020, Unknown: 215. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Teriflunomide?

The most frequently reported age groups for Teriflunomide adverse events are: age 55: 997 reports, age 54: 987 reports, age 56: 970 reports, age 52: 957 reports, age 58: 950 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Teriflunomide?

The primary manufacturer associated with Teriflunomide adverse event reports is Genzyme Corporation. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Teriflunomide?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Teriflunomide include: Hypoaesthesia, Headache, Drug Ineffective, Paraesthesia, Nausea. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Teriflunomide?

You can report adverse events from Teriflunomide to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Teriflunomide's safety score and what does it mean?

Teriflunomide has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. The most common adverse reactions include alopecia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, indicating a broad spectrum of potential side effects.

What are the key safety signals for Teriflunomide?

Key safety signals identified in Teriflunomide's adverse event data include: Falls and balance disorders are notable safety signals, especially in older patients.. Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and confusion, are frequent and may require regular assessment.. Neurological symptoms, including paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy, are common and may indicate potential long-term effects.. Serious adverse events like hospitalization and death are reported, indicating a need for vigilance.. Drug dose omissions and use issues are frequently reported, suggesting potential misuse or misunderstanding of the medication.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Teriflunomide interact with other drugs?

Teriflunomide is associated with multiple drug interactions, and patients should be cautious about potential interactions with other medications. Dose omissions and misuse are common, necessitating strict adherence to prescribed dosing. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Teriflunomide.

What should patients know before taking Teriflunomide?

Monitor for cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and confusion, and report any changes to your healthcare provider. Be aware of potential falls and balance issues, especially if you are elderly or have pre-existing mobility concerns.

Are Teriflunomide side effects well-documented?

Teriflunomide has 108,080 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Serious adverse events, such as falls, depression, and hospitalization, account for nearly 43% of reports, suggesting significant safety concerns. The volume of reports for Teriflunomide reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Teriflunomide?

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with the FDA monitoring adverse events and adjusting safety guidelines as necessary. Patients should report any adverse reactions promptly and follow prescribed dosing instructions closely. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to TERIFLUNOMIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

IbuprofenAmoxicillinWarfarinMetforminSimvastatin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.