What is the difference between Ozanimod and TERIFLUNOMIDE?

Ozanimod is a S1P Receptor Modulator and TERIFLUNOMIDE is a DMARD. They reach a similar treatment goal through different pharmacological mechanisms, which is why one may be tolerated by a patient who could not tolerate the other.

Can Ozanimod and TERIFLUNOMIDE be used for the same conditions?

Both medications are prescribed for overlapping indications including Relapsing MS and Ulcerative Colitis. Always verify with your prescriber and the current FDA label before switching.

Is Zeposia the same as Teriflunomide?

No. Zeposia (Ozanimod) and Teriflunomide (TERIFLUNOMIDE) are distinct medications. They are sometimes confused because of similar branding or because they treat overlapping conditions, but they have different active ingredients and different safety profiles.

Which has fewer side effects, Ozanimod or TERIFLUNOMIDE?

Side-effect frequency varies by individual. The side-effect comparison section on this page shows FAERS-reported events for each drug side by side. FAERS is voluntary reporting, so it reflects what patients and clinicians chose to report, not absolute population risk.

Can I switch from Ozanimod to TERIFLUNOMIDE?

Switching medications should always be done under prescriber supervision. The "patient stories" section on this page includes accounts from people who have made the switch and what their transition felt like, but those are individual experiences, not protocols.

Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE

Compare Ozanimod (Zeposia) and TERIFLUNOMIDE (Teriflunomide) — clinical data, side effects, and patient experiences.

Ozanimod

Zeposia · S1P Receptor Modulator

How it works

S1P receptor 1,5 modulator that reduces circulating lymphocytes by retaining them in lymph nodes.

Approved for

Relapsing MS

Ulcerative Colitis

FDA: 2020OralTablet

TERIFLUNOMIDE

Teriflunomide, Aubagio · DMARD

How it works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory agent with anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in de no...

Approved for

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Teriflunomide tablets are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

to include clinically isolated syndrome

relapsing-remitting disease

and active secondary progressive disease

OralTablet

Quick Comparison

OzanimodTERIFLUNOMIDE

Drug Class

S1P Receptor Modulator

DMARD

Route

Oral

Half-Life

—

FDA Approved

2020

—

Side Effect Frequency Comparison

Estimated frequency (%) based on clinical trial data

Side Effects

Ozanimod

Fatigue

>10%

Drug Not Working

>10%

Headache

>10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Back Pain

0.1-1%

Falls

0.1-1%

TERIFLUNOMIDE

Hair Loss

>10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Falls

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Tingling/Numbness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

FDA Warnings

Ozanimod

No specific warnings

TERIFLUNOMIDE

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Elimination of teriflunomide tablets can be accelerated by administration of cholestyramine or activated charcoal for 11 days
Consider suspending treatment with teriflunomide tablets in case of serious infection
Patients with pre-existing liver disease and patients taking other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for developing liver injury when taking teriflunomide tablets
Teriflunomide tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) ]

Clinical Trial Data

No head-to-head clinical studies found for Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE.

Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE: What You Should Know

Key Differences

Ozanimod is a S1P Receptor Modulator, while TERIFLUNOMIDE belongs to the DMARD class. This means they work through different pharmacological mechanisms, which may influence both efficacy and side effect profiles.

Safety Considerations

TERIFLUNOMIDE carries 4 FDA warnings. Patients should discuss all warnings and contraindications with their healthcare provider before starting or switching medications..

This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Related Comparisons

LEFLUNOMIDE vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→METHOTREXATE vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→Hydroxychloroquine vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→DIMETHYL FUMARATE vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→FINGOLIMOD vs TERIFLUNOMIDE→

Primary sources

Every figure on this comparison links back to its primary source. See data sources and methodology for the full provenance trail.

Ozanimod: DailyMed label · FAERS adverse events · ClinicalTrials.gov
TERIFLUNOMIDE: DailyMed label · FAERS adverse events · ClinicalTrials.gov

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Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE

Compare Ozanimod (Zeposia) and TERIFLUNOMIDE (Teriflunomide) — clinical data, side effects, and patient experiences.

Ozanimod

Zeposia · S1P Receptor Modulator

How it works

S1P receptor 1,5 modulator that reduces circulating lymphocytes by retaining them in lymph nodes.

Approved for

Relapsing MS

Ulcerative Colitis

FDA: 2020OralTablet

TERIFLUNOMIDE

Teriflunomide, Aubagio · DMARD

How it works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory agent with anti-inflammatory properties, inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial enzyme involved in de no...

Approved for

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Teriflunomide tablets are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

to include clinically isolated syndrome

relapsing-remitting disease

and active secondary progressive disease

OralTablet

Quick Comparison

OzanimodTERIFLUNOMIDE

Drug Class

S1P Receptor Modulator

DMARD

Route

Oral

Half-Life

—

FDA Approved

2020

—

Side Effect Frequency Comparison

Estimated frequency (%) based on clinical trial data

Side Effects

Ozanimod

Fatigue

>10%

Drug Not Working

>10%

Headache

>10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Back Pain

0.1-1%

Falls

0.1-1%

TERIFLUNOMIDE

Hair Loss

>10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Falls

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Tingling/Numbness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

FDA Warnings

Ozanimod

No specific warnings

TERIFLUNOMIDE

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Elimination of teriflunomide tablets can be accelerated by administration of cholestyramine or activated charcoal for 11 days
Consider suspending treatment with teriflunomide tablets in case of serious infection
Patients with pre-existing liver disease and patients taking other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for developing liver injury when taking teriflunomide tablets
Teriflunomide tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Contraindications (4) ]

Clinical Trial Data

No head-to-head clinical studies found for Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE.

Ozanimod vs TERIFLUNOMIDE: What You Should Know

Key Differences

Safety Considerations

TERIFLUNOMIDE carries 4 FDA warnings. Patients should discuss all warnings and contraindications with their healthcare provider before starting or switching medications..

This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medication decisions.