A new drug has emerged as a promising treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The medicine, called Aubagio, is an immunomodulatory treatment that works to restore the balance of the immune system. The medication also lowers the risk of MS relapses and slows down disease progression. Moreover, it has minimal adverse effects on users. According to recent studies, Aubagio can delay disease progression by around 44% in people with primary progressive MS, who have no other treatment options available to them. The drug is particularly beneficial for those patients with aggressive forms of the disease and a high risk of disability.

We understand that you might have many questions about this drug and whether it’s right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled this article as an introduction to what exactly Aubagio is and how it works to combat MS symptoms.

What is Aubagio?

Aubagio Tablets

Aubagio is a once-daily oral drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It is also prescribed as a preventive therapy for high-risk individuals with progressive forms of the disease who have exhausted all other treatment options. Aubagio belongs to a group of immunomodulatory drugs, which work by regulating the immune response and restoring the balance between the immune system and the nervous system. The medicine was FDA-approved in 2014 and has been available for MS treatment since 2015. It is one of the newer drugs on the market and has been proven to be very effective against MS.

How does Aubagio Work?

Reducing inflammation: Aubagio works by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system and lowering the risk of relapse in MS patients. It achieves this by decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators (such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and the number of activated T-cells that cause damage to the central nervous system.

Restoring the immune balance: Another important way in which Aubagio helps fight MS is by restoring the immune balance. During an MS flare-up, the immune system attacks the central nervous system by producing more inflammatory cells. Aubagio works to restore the immune balance by reducing the production of inflammatory cells and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cells.

Protecting neurons: Another significant way in which Aubagio helps treat MS is by protecting neurons from damage caused by inflammation. It does this by increasing levels of neurotrophic factors, proteins that protect the neurons from damage and promote their growth.

Reducing disability risk: Aubagio can also help reduce the risk of disability and the risk of death among progressive MS patients. It does so by increasing the levels of myelination (the process of insulating neurons with a protective sheath to accelerate signal transmission and reduce energy consumption), protecting neurons from damage, and increasing the effectiveness of communication between neurons.

Who can take Aubagio and who shouldn’t?

Who can take Aubagio: If you have MS and have run out of treatment options, Aubagio might be a great choice for you. The drug is mostly used as a second-line therapy in progressive MS patients who have exhausted all other treatment options. Aubagio is often prescribed to people who have experienced one or more relapse during the first 12 months of first-line therapy.

Who shouldn’t take Aubagio: Aubagio is not recommended for individuals with low levels of anti-inflammatory cells. Additionally, it’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Benefits of Aubagio for MS patients

  • Delaying disease progression: Aubagio has been proven to delay disease progression by around 44% in people with primary progressive MS.
  • Lowering the risk of MS relapses: The drug can also reduce the risk of MS relapse by up to 30%.
  • Slowing down disease progression: Aubagio can slow down disease progression by around 30%. It’s also been proven to promote myelination, which is especially beneficial for patients with progressive MS.
  • Preventing disability: Aubagio can help prevent disability among progressive MS patients. It has been proven to reduce the risk of disability by up to 58%.
  • Increasing quality of life: Aubagio can increase quality of life by reducing the number and severity of MS symptoms.
  • Increasing life expectancy: Aubagio can also increase life expectancy among progressive MS patients. It has been proven to extend life expectancy by up to 12%.

Side Effects of Aubagio

  • Headaches: Aubagio can cause headaches in about 3% of users. The headaches may be mild or severe and can last for 3 or 4 days at a time. They can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. If the headaches don’t go away after taking pain medication, it’s important to visit a doctor.
  • Rash: Aubagio can also cause a rash in around 1% of users. The rash usually occurs during the first month of treatment, but can occur at any time. It can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If the rash doesn’t go away after using these medications, a doctor should be consulted.
  • Nausea: Aubagio can also cause nausea in 1% of users. This side effect usually goes away after a few days. If it doesn’t go away after a few days, anti-nausea medication can be taken.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is another potential side effect of Aubagio. It usually occurs during the first few weeks of treatment. If it lasts for more than 2 weeks, medical attention should be sought.
  • Weight gain: Aubagio can also cause weight gain. The extent to which weight is gained varies from person to person. Weight gain can be expected in the first few months of treatment.
  • Infections: Aubagio can cause infections in people with a weakened immune system. This side effect is most often experienced by people with low levels of anti-inflammatory cells.

The Bottom Line: Understanding Aubagio

The new drug Aubagio has emerged as a promising treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The medicine is a once-daily oral drug used to treat relapsing forms of MS. It is also prescribed as a preventive therapy for high-risk individuals with progressive forms of the disease who have exhausted all other treatment options. Aubagio works by reducing inflammation, restoring the immune balance, and protecting neurons from damage. It can also help reduce the risk of disability, promote myelination, and increase quality of life among MS patients. It can also extend life expectancy among progressive MS patients. However, Aubagio can also cause certain side effects, including headaches, rashes, nausea, fatigue, weight gain, and infections.

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