5.1 Hepatotoxicity

Clinically significant and potentially life-threatening liver injury, including acute liver failure requiring transplant, has been reported in patients treated with teriflunomide in the postmarketing setting. Patients with pre-existing liver disease and patients taking other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for developing liver injury when taking teriflunomide. Clinically significant liver injury can occur at any time during treatment with teriflunomide.

Patients with pre-existing liver disease may be at increased risk of developing elevated serum transaminases when taking teriflunomide. Patients with pre-existing acute or chronic liver disease, or those with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than two times the upper limit of normal (ULN) before initiating treatment, should not normally be treated with teriflunomide. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4)].

In placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, ALT greater than three times the ULN occurred in 61/1045 (5.8%) and 62/1002 (6.2%) of patients receiving teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively, and 38/997 (3.8%) of patients receiving placebo, during the treatment period. These elevations occurred mostly within the first year of treatment. Half of the cases returned to normal without drug discontinuation. In clinical trials, if ALT elevation was greater than three times the ULN on two consecutive tests, teriflunomide was discontinued and patients underwent an accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Of the patients who underwent discontinuation and accelerated elimination in controlled trials, half returned to normal or near normal values within 2 months.

One patient in the controlled trials in adult patients developed ALT 32 times the ULN and jaundice 5 months after initiation of teriflunomide 14 mg treatment. The patient was hospitalized for 5 weeks and recovered after plasmapheresis and cholestyramine accelerated elimination procedure. Teriflunomide-induced liver injury in this patient could not be ruled out.

Obtain serum transaminase and bilirubin levels within 6 months before initiation of teriflunomide therapy. Monitor ALT levels at least monthly for six months after starting teriflunomide. Consider additional monitoring when teriflunomide is given with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs.

Consider discontinuing teriflunomide if serum transaminase increase (greater than three times the ULN) is confirmed. Monitor serum transaminase and bilirubin on teriflunomide therapy, particularly in patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine. If liver injury is suspected to be teriflunomide-induced, discontinue teriflunomide and start an accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] and monitor liver tests weekly until normalized. If teriflunomide-induced liver injury is unlikely because some other probable cause has been found, resumption of teriflunomide therapy may be considered.

5.2 Embryofetal Toxicity

Teriflunomide may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Teratogenicity and embryofetal lethality occurred in animal reproduction studies in multiple animal species at plasma teriflunomide exposures similar to or lower than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 14 mg/day [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Teriflunomide is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and in females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception [see Contraindications (4)]. Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment with teriflunomide in females of reproductive potential [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during teriflunomide treatment and during an accelerated drug elimination procedure after teriflunomide treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)]. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking teriflunomide, stop treatment with teriflunomide, apprise the patient of the potential risk to a fetus, and perform an accelerated drug elimination procedure to achieve a plasma teriflunomide concentration of less than 0.02 mg/L [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Upon discontinuing teriflunomide, it is recommended that all females of reproductive potential undergo an accelerated drug elimination procedure. Women receiving teriflunomide treatment who wish to become pregnant must discontinue teriflunomide and undergo an accelerated drug elimination procedure, which includes verification that plasma concentrations of teriflunomide are less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL). Men wishing to father a child should also discontinue use of teriflunomide and either undergo an accelerated elimination procedure or wait until verification that the plasma teriflunomide concentration is less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL) [see Use in Specific Population (8.3)]. Based on animal data, human plasma concentrations of teriflunomide of less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL) are expected to have minimal embryofetal risk [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

5.3 Procedure for Accelerated Elimination of Teriflunomide

Teriflunomide is eliminated slowly from the plasma [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Without an accelerated elimination procedure, it takes on average 8 months to reach plasma concentrations less than 0.02 mg/L, although because of individual variations in drug clearance it may take as long as 2 years. An accelerated elimination procedure could be used at any time after discontinuation of teriflunomide. Elimination can be accelerated by either of the following procedures:

•

Administration of cholestyramine 8 g every 8 hours for 11 days. If cholestyramine 8 g three times a day is not well tolerated, cholestyramine 4 g three times a day can be used.

•

Administration of 50 g oral activated charcoal powder every 12 hours for 11 days.

If either elimination procedure is poorly tolerated, treatment days do not need to be consecutive unless there is a need to lower teriflunomide plasma concentration rapidly.

At the end of 11 days, both regimens successfully accelerated teriflunomide elimination, leading to more than 98% decrease in teriflunomide plasma concentrations.

Use of the accelerated elimination procedure may potentially result in return of disease activity if the patient had been responding to teriflunomide treatment.

5.4 Bone Marrow Effects/Immunosuppression Potential/Infections

Bone Marrow Effects

A mean decrease compared to baseline in white blood cell (WBC) count of approximately 15% (mainly neutrophils and lymphocytes) and in platelet count of approximately 10% was observed in placebo-controlled trials in adult patients with 7 mg and 14 mg of teriflunomide. The decrease in mean WBC count occurred during the first 6 weeks and WBC count remained low during treatment. In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, neutrophil count <1.5 × 109/L was observed in 12% and 16% of patients receiving teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively, compared with 7% of patients receiving placebo; lymphocyte count <0.8 × 109/L was observed in 10% and 12% of patients receiving teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively, compared with 6% of patients receiving placebo. No cases of serious pancytopenia were reported in premarketing clinical trials of teriflunomide but rare cases of pancytopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported in the postmarketing setting with leflunomide. A similar risk would be expected for teriflunomide  [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Cases of thrombocytopenia with teriflunomide, including rare cases with platelet counts less than 50,000/mm3, have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC) within 6 months before the initiation of treatment with teriflunomide. Further monitoring should be based on signs and symptoms suggestive of bone marrow suppression.

Risk of Infection / Tuberculosis Screening

Patients with active acute or chronic infections should not start treatment until the infection(s) is resolved. If a patient develops a serious infection consider suspending treatment with teriflunomide and using an accelerated elimination procedure. Reassess the benefits and risks prior to resumption of therapy. Instruct patients receiving teriflunomide to report symptoms of infections to a physician.

Teriflunomide is not recommended for patients with severe immunodeficiency, bone marrow disease, or severe, uncontrolled infections. Medications like teriflunomide that have immunosuppression potential may cause patients to be more susceptible to infections, including opportunistic infections.

In placebo-controlled studies of teriflunomide in adult patients, no overall increase in the risk of serious infections was observed with teriflunomide 7 mg (2.2%) or 14 mg (2.7%) compared to placebo (2.2%).

However, one fatal case of klebsiella pneumonia sepsis occurred in a patient taking teriflunomide 14 mg for 1.7 years. Fatal infections have been reported in the postmarketing setting in patients receiving leflunomide, especially Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and aspergillosis. Most of the reports were confounded by concomitant immunosuppressant therapy and/or comorbid illness which, in addition to rheumatoid disease, may predispose patients to infection. In clinical studies with teriflunomide, cytomegalovirus hepatitis reactivation has been observed.

In clinical studies with teriflunomide in adult patients, cases of tuberculosis have been observed. Prior to initiating teriflunomide, screen patients for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test or with a blood test for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Teriflunomide has not been studied in patients with a positive tuberculosis screen, and the safety of teriflunomide in individuals with latent tuberculosis infection is unknown. For patients testing positive in tuberculosis screening, treat by standard medical practice prior to therapy with teriflunomide.

Vaccination

No clinical data are available on the efficacy and safety of live vaccinations in patients taking teriflunomide. Vaccination with live vaccines is not recommended. The long half-life of teriflunomide should be considered when contemplating administration of a live vaccine after stopping teriflunomide.

Malignancy

The risk of malignancy, particularly lymphoproliferative disorders, is increased with the use of some immunosuppressive medications. There is a potential for immunosuppression with teriflunomide. No apparent increase in the incidence of malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders was reported in the teriflunomide clinical trials, but larger and longer-term studies would be needed to determine whether there is an increased risk of malignancy or lymphoproliferative disorders with teriflunomide.

5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Teriflunomide can cause anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions [see Contraindications (4)]. Signs and symptoms have included dyspnea, urticaria, and angioedema including lips, eyes, throat, and tongue.

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and angioedema.

5.6 Serious Skin Reactions

Cases of serious skin reactions, sometimes fatal, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)], have been reported with teriflunomide. Fatal outcomes were reported in one case of TEN and one case of DRESS.

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms that may signal a serious skin reaction. Instruct patients to discontinue teriflunomide and seek immediate medical care should these signs and symptoms occur. Unless the reactions is clearly not drug related, discontinue teriflunomide and begin an accelerated elimination procedure immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. In such cases, patients should not be re-exposed to teriflunomide [see Contraindications (4)].

5.7 Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity, has occurred with teriflunomide. One fatal case of DRESS that occurred in close temporal association (34 days) with the initiation of teriflunomide treatment has been reported in the postmarketing setting. DRESS typically, although not exclusively, presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy and/or facial swelling, in association with other organ system involvement, such as hepatitis, nephritis, hematologic abnormalities, myocarditis, or myositis, sometimes resembling an acute viral infection. Eosinophilia is often present. This disorder is variable in its expression, and other organ systems not noted here may be involved. It is important to note that early manifestations of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy) may be present even though rash is not evident. If such signs or symptoms are present, the patient should be evaluated immediately.

Discontinue teriflunomide, unless an alternative etiology for the signs or symptoms is established, and begin an accelerated elimination procedure immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. In such cases, patients should not be re-exposed to teriflunomide [see Contraindications (4)].

5.8 Peripheral Neuropathy

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, peripheral neuropathy, including both polyneuropathy and mononeuropathy (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), occurred more frequently in patients taking teriflunomide than in patients taking placebo. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy confirmed by nerve conduction studies was 1.4% (13 patients) and 1.9% (17 patients) of patients receiving 7 mg and 14 mg of teriflunomide, respectively, compared with 0.4% receiving placebo (4 patients). Treatment was discontinued in 0.7% (8 patients) with confirmed peripheral neuropathy (3 patients receiving teriflunomide 7 mg and 5 patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg). Five of them recovered following treatment discontinuation. Not all cases of peripheral neuropathy resolved with continued treatment. Peripheral neuropathy also occurred in patients receiving leflunomide.

Age older than 60 years, concomitant neurotoxic medications, and diabetes may increase the risk for peripheral neuropathy. If a patient taking teriflunomide develops symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, such as bilateral numbness or tingling of hands or feet, consider discontinuing teriflunomide therapy and performing an accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

5.9 Increased Blood Pressure

In placebo-controlled studies in adult patients, the mean change from baseline to the end of study in systolic blood pressure was +2.3 mmHg and +2.7 mmHg for teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively, and -0.6 mmHg for placebo. The change from baseline in diastolic blood pressure was +1.4 mmHg and +1.9 mmHg for teriflunomide 7 mg and 14 mg, respectively, and -0.3 mmHg for placebo. Hypertension was an adverse reaction in 3.1% and 4.3% of patients treated with 7 mg or 14 mg of teriflunomide compared with 1.8% for placebo. Check blood pressure before start of teriflunomide treatment and periodically thereafter. Elevated blood pressure should be appropriately managed during treatment with teriflunomide.

5.10 Respiratory Effects

Interstitial lung disease, including acute interstitial pneumonitis, has been reported with teriflunomide in the postmarketing setting.

Interstitial lung disease and worsening of pre-existing interstitial lung disease have been reported during treatment with leflunomide. Interstitial lung disease may be fatal and may occur acutely at any time during therapy with a variable clinical presentation. New onset or worsening pulmonary symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea, with or without associated fever, may be a reason for discontinuation of therapy and for further investigation as appropriate. If discontinuation of the drug is necessary, consider initiation of an accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

5.11 Pancreatitis in Pediatric Patients

Teriflunomide is not approved for use in pediatric patients. In the pediatric clinical trial, cases of pancreatitis were observed in 1.8% (2/109) of patients receiving teriflunomide; one of these cases was serious [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue teriflunomide and start an accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

5.12 Concomitant Use with Immunosuppressive or Immunomodulating Therapies

Coadministration with antineoplastic or immunosuppressive therapies used for treatment of multiple sclerosis has not been evaluated. Safety studies in which teriflunomide was concomitantly administered with other immune modulating therapies for up to one year (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate) did not reveal any specific safety concerns. The long term safety of these combinations in the treatment of multiple sclerosis has not been established.

In any situation in which the decision is made to switch from teriflunomide to another agent with a known potential for hematologic suppression, it would be prudent to monitor for hematologic toxicity, because there will be overlap of systemic exposure to both compounds. Use of an accelerated elimination procedure may decrease this risk, but may also potentially result in return of disease activity if the patient had been responding to teriflunomide treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

A total of 2047 patients receiving teriflunomide (7 mg or 14 mg once daily) constituted the safety population in the pooled analysis of placebo controlled studies in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; of these, 71% were female. The average age was 37 years.

Table 1 lists adverse reactions in placebo-controlled trials with rates that were at least 2% for teriflunomide patients and also at least 2% above the rate in placebo patients. The most common were headache, an increase in ALT, diarrhea, alopecia, and nausea. The adverse reaction most commonly associated with discontinuation was an increase in ALT (3.3%, 2.6%, and 2.3% of all patients in the teriflunomide 7 mg, teriflunomide 14 mg, and placebo treatment arms, respectively).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of teriflunomide. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

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Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

•

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pancreatitis, colitis

•

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]

•

Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions, some of which were severe, such as anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

•

Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Interstitial lung disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

•

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]; drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]; psoriasis or worsening of psoriasis (including pustular psoriasis and nail psoriasis); nail disorders

Effect of Teriflunomide on CYP2C8 Substrates

Teriflunomide is an inhibitor of CYP2C8 in vivo. In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8 (e.g., paclitaxel, pioglitazone, repaglinide, rosiglitazone) may be increased. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) metabolized by CYP2C8 as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Effect of Teriflunomide on Warfarin

Coadministration of teriflunomide with warfarin requires close monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) because teriflunomide may decrease peak INR by approximately 25%.

Effect of Teriflunomide on Oral Contraceptives

Teriflunomide may increase the systemic exposures of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. Consideration should be given to the type or dose of contraceptives used in combination with teriflunomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Effect of Teriflunomide on CYP1A2 Substrates

Teriflunomide may be a weak inducer of CYP1A2 in vivo. In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., alosetron, duloxetine, theophylline, tizanidine) may be reduced. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) metabolized by CYP1A2 as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Effect of Teriflunomide on Organic Anion Transporter 3 (OAT3) Substrates

Teriflunomide inhibits the activity of OAT3 in vivo. In patients taking teriflunomide, exposure of drugs which are OAT3 substrates (e.g., cefaclor, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, ketoprofen, furosemide, methotrexate, zidovudine) may be increased. Monitor these patients and adjust the dose of the concomitant drug(s) which are OAT3 substrates as required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

 

Effect of Teriflunomide on BCRP and Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide B1 and B3 (OATP1B1/1B3) Substrates

Teriflunomide inhibits the activity of BCRP and OATP1B1/1B3 in vivo. For a patient taking teriflunomide, the dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed 10 mg once daily. For other substrates of BCRP (e.g., mitoxantrone) and drugs in the OATP family (e.g., methotrexate, rifampin), especially HMG-Co reductase inhibitors (e.g., atorvastatin, nateglinide, pravastatin, repaglinide, and simvastatin), consider reducing the dose of these drugs and monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of increased exposures to the drugs while patients are taking teriflunomide [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Teriflunomide is contraindicated for use in pregnant women and females of reproductive potential not using effective contraception because of the potential for fetal harm based on animal data [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

In animal reproduction studies in rat and rabbit, oral administration of teriflunomide during organogenesis caused teratogenicity and embryolethality at plasma exposures (AUC) lower than that at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 14 mg/day [see Data]. Available human data from pregnancy registries, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance cases, and published literature are too limited to draw any conclusions, but they do not clearly indicate increased birth defects or miscarriage associated with inadvertent teriflunomide exposure in the early first trimester when followed by an accelerated elimination procedure [see Clinical Considerations and Data]. There are no human data pertaining to exposures later in the first trimester or beyond.

In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions

Lowering the plasma concentration of teriflunomide by instituting an accelerated drug elimination procedure as soon as pregnancy is detected may decrease the risk to the fetus from teriflunomide. The accelerated drug elimination procedure includes verification that the plasma teriflunomide concentration is less than 0.02 mg/L [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Data

Human data

Available human data are limited. Prospectively reported data (from clinical trials and postmarketing reports) from >150 pregnancies in patients treated with teriflunomide and >300 pregnancies in patients treated with leflunomide have not demonstrated an increased rate of congenital malformations or miscarriage following teriflunomide exposure in the early first trimester when followed by an accelerated elimination procedure. Specific patterns of major congenital malformations in humans have not been observed. Limitations of these data include an inadequate number of reported pregnancies from which to draw conclusions, the short duration of drug exposure in reported pregnancies, which precludes a full evaluation of the fetal risks, incomplete reporting, and the inability to control for confounders (such as underlying maternal disease and use of concomitant medications).

Animal data

When teriflunomide (oral doses of 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant rats throughout the period of organogenesis, high incidences of fetal malformation (primarily craniofacial, and axial and appendicular skeletal defects) and fetal death were observed at doses not associated with maternal toxicity. Adverse effects on fetal development were observed following dosing at various stages throughout organogenesis. Maternal plasma exposure at the no-effect level (1.0 mg/kg/day) for fetal developmental toxicity in rats was less than that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD, 14 mg/day).

Administration of teriflunomide (oral doses of 1, 3.5, or 12 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits throughout organogenesis resulted in high incidences of fetal malformation (primarily craniofacial, and axial and appendicular skeletal defects) and fetal death at doses associated with minimal maternal toxicity. Maternal plasma exposure at the no-effect dose (1.0 mg/kg/day) for fetal developmental toxicity in rabbits was less than that in humans at the MRHD.

In studies in which teriflunomide (oral doses of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 mg/kg/day) was administered to rats during gestation and lactation, decreased growth, eye and skin abnormalities, and high incidences of malformation (limb defects) and postnatal death were observed in the offspring at doses not associated with maternal toxicity. Maternal plasma exposure at the no-effect dose for prenatal and postnatal developmental toxicity in rats (0.10 mg/kg/day) was less than that in humans at the MRHD.

In animal reproduction studies of leflunomide, embryolethality and teratogenic effects were observed in pregnant rat and rabbit at or below clinically relevant plasma teriflunomide exposures (AUC). In published reproduction studies in pregnant mice, leflunomide was embryolethal and increased the incidence of malformations (craniofacial, axial skeletal, heart and great vessel). Supplementation with exogenous uridine reduced the teratogenic effects in pregnant mice, suggesting that the mode of action (inhibition of mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) is the same for therapeutic efficacy and developmental toxicity.

At recommended doses in humans, teriflunomide and leflunomide result in a similar range of plasma concentrations of teriflunomide.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of teriflunomide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Teriflunomide was detected in rat milk following a single oral dose. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in a breastfed infant from teriflunomide, women should not breastfeed during treatment with teriflunomide.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Exclude pregnancy prior to initiation of treatment with teriflunomide in females of reproductive potential. Advise females to notify their healthcare provider immediately if pregnancy occurs or is suspected during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Contraception

Females

Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception while taking teriflunomide. If teriflunomide is discontinued, use of contraception should be continued until it is verified that plasma concentrations of teriflunomide are less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL, the level expected to have minimal fetal risk, based on animal data).

Females of reproductive potential who wish to become pregnant should discontinue teriflunomide and undergo an accelerated elimination procedure. Effective contraception should be used until it is verified that plasma concentrations of teriflunomide are less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Males

Teriflunomide is detected in human semen. Animal studies to specifically evaluate the risk of male mediated fetal toxicity have not been conducted. To minimize any possible risk, men not wishing to father a child and their female partners should use effective contraception. Men wishing to father a child should discontinue use of teriflunomide and either undergo an accelerated elimination procedure or wait until verification that the plasma teriflunomide concentration is less than 0.02 mg/L (0.02 mcg/mL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Effectiveness of teriflunomide for the treatment of relapsing form of multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients (10 to 17 years of age) was not established in an adequate and well-controlled clinical study in 166 patients (109 patients received once daily doses of teriflunomide and 57 patients received placebo) for up to 96 weeks.

Pancreatitis has been reported in adults in the postmarketing setting, but appears to occur at higher frequency in the pediatric population. In this pediatric study, cases of pancreatitis were reported in 1.8% (2/109) of patients who received teriflunomide compared to no patients in the placebo group. All patients in the pediatric trial recovered or were recovering after treatment discontinuation and accelerated elimination procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].

Additionally, elevated or abnormal blood creatine phosphokinase was reported in 6.4% of pediatric patients who received teriflunomide compared to no patients in the placebo group.

Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data

Oral administration of teriflunomide (0, 0.3, 3, or 6 mg/kg/day) to young rats on postnatal days 21 to 70 resulted in suppression of immune function (T-cell dependent antibody response) at the mid and high doses, and adverse effects on male reproductive organs (reduced sperm count) and altered neurobehavioral function (increased locomotor activity) at the high dose. At the no-effect dose (0.3 mg/kg/day) for developmental toxicity in juvenile rats, plasma exposures were less than those in pediatric patients at the doses of teriflunomide tested in the clinical study.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of teriflunomide did not include patients over 65 years old.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetics of teriflunomide in severe hepatic impairment has not been evaluated. Teriflunomide is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory agent with anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in de novo pyrimidine synthesis. The exact mechanism by which teriflunomide exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis is unknown but may involve a reduction in the number of activated lymphocytes in CNS.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Potential to Prolong the QT Interval

In a placebo controlled thorough QT study performed in healthy adult subjects, there was no evidence that teriflunomide caused QT interval prolongation of clinical significance (i.e., the upper bound of the 90% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc was below 10 ms).

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Teriflunomide is the principal active metabolite of leflunomide and is responsible for leflunomide's activity in vivo. At recommended doses, teriflunomide and leflunomide result in a similar range of plasma concentrations of teriflunomide.

Based on a population analysis of teriflunomide in healthy volunteers and MS patients, median t1/2 was approximately 18 and 19 days after repeated doses of 7 mg and 14 mg respectively. It takes approximately 3 months respectively to reach steady-state concentrations. The estimated AUC accumulation ratio is approximately 30 after repeated doses of 7 or 14 mg.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

No evidence of carcinogenicity was observed in lifetime carcinogenicity bioassays in mouse and rat. In mouse, teriflunomide was administered orally at doses up to 12 mg/kg/day for up to 95 to 104 weeks; plasma teriflunomide exposures (AUC) at the highest dose tested are approximately 3 times that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD, 14 mg/day). In rat, teriflunomide was administered orally at doses up to 4 mg/kg/day for up to 97 to 104 weeks; plasma teriflunomide AUCs at the highest doses tested are less than that in humans at the MRHD.

Mutagenesis

Teriflunomide was negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, the in vitro HPRT assay, and in in vivo micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays. Teriflunomide was positive in an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes, with and without metabolic activation. Addition of uridine (to supplement the pyrimidine pool) reduced the magnitude of the clastogenic effect; however, teriflunomide was positive in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay, even in the presence of uridine.

4-Trifluoromethylaniline (4-TFMA), a minor metabolite of teriflunomide, was positive in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, the in vitro HPRT assay, and the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in mammalian cells. 4-TFMA was negative in in vivo micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays.

Impairment of Fertility

Oral administration of teriflunomide (0, 1, 3, 10 mg/kg/day) to male rats prior to and during mating (to untreated females) resulted in no adverse effects on fertility; however, reduced epididymal sperm count was observed at the mid and high doses tested. The no-effect dose for reproductive toxicity in male rats (1 mg/kg) is less than the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.

Oral administration of teriflunomide (0, 0.84, 2.6, 8.6 mg/kg/day) to female rats, prior to and during mating (to untreated males) and continuing to gestation day 6, resulted in embryolethality, reduced fetal body weight, and/or malformations at all doses tested. Due to marked embryolethality at the highest dose tested, no fetuses were available for evaluation. The lowest dose tested is less than the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.