Question

What would you tell a 30 year old female MS patient who is thinking about starting a family about the treatment options for MS and pregnancy?

1) Aubagio (teriflunomide) has no pregnancy precautions and would be a good option for her.
2) Aubagio (teriflunomide) has been shown to cause birth defects and can take up to 2 months to be eliminated from the body.
3) Copaxone (glatiramer) is rated category B in pregnancy and a possible option for treatment during pregnancy.
4) βseron (interferon-??

Answer 1

Aubagio (teriflunomide) is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential birth defects, while Copaxone (glatiramer) is considered a category B medication and might be a safer option. It's critical to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are a 30-year-old female patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) considering starting a family, it's essential to understand the implications of MS treatments during pregnancy. Aubagio (teriflunomide) is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it has been shown to cause birth defects and can take a significant amount of time to be eliminated from the body, potentially affecting fetal development. On the other hand, Copaxone (glatiramer) is rated category B for pregnancy by the FDA, which suggests that it might be a safer option for treatment during pregnancy, though you should always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Interferon-based treatments, like βseron, typically are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.