Uses of Tofacitinib

Tofacitinib is used to treat is used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the joints, causing pain and swelling), psoriatic arthritis (an arthritic condition that occurs in an individual with psoriasis), ulcerative colitis (ulcerative inflammation of the digestive tract), and ankylosing spondylitis (fusion of bones in the spine).

It is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis, which cause pain and inflammation of joints in children. It is used alone or together with other drugs, such as methotrexate.

Therapeutic Category

Tofacitinib: Antirheumatic drugs

How Tofacitinib works

Tofacitinib is among antirheumatic drugs that help in treating inflammatory diseases by modifying the immune system. It prevents the body from responding to these substances called cytokines (controls growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells). It also inhibits the inflammation process via a new pathway (Janus kinases).

Common side effects of Tofacitinib

• lung infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• shingles (herpes zoster)
• nasopharyngitis (infections of the nose, throat or windpipe)
• influenza
• sinusitis
• urinary bladder infection
• sore throat
• signs of muscle problems
• stomach pain (possibly due to inflammation of the stomach lining)
• vomiting, nausea
• diarrhoea
• indigestion
• anaemia
• fever, fatigue
• swelling of the feet and hands
• headache
• high blood pressure
• cough
• rash

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of serious infections such as fever and chills, cough, skin blisters, stomach pain, persistent headaches
• If you experience signs of ulcers or perforations in the stomach such as fever, stomach or abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unexplained changes in bowel habits
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions such as chest tightness, wheezing, severe dizziness or light-headedness, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, hives (itching or skin rash)
• If you experience signs of blood clots in lungs or veins such as sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, leg pain or tenderness, chest pain or pain in the upper back, swelling of the leg or arm, redness or discolouration in the leg or arm
• If you experience signs of a heart attack such as severe chest pain or tightness (that may spread to arms, back, jaw, neck), shortness of breath, cold sweat, light-headedness, or sudden dizziness

Health Tips for Tofacitinib

• Take tofacitinib exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. Do not stop or change the medication regimen without consulting your doctor
• Stay well-hydrated to support your overall health. Drink plenty of water unless otherwise advised by your doctor
• Tofacitinib may suppress the immune system, increasing your susceptibility to infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick, practice good hygiene, and promptly report any signs of infection to your doctor
• Talk to your doctor about vaccinations. Some vaccines may be recommended before starting tofacitinib, while live vaccines should generally be avoided during treatment due to the immune-suppressing effects of the medication
• If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of tofacitinib with your doctor. It's important to carefully consider the potential impact on your health and the health of your baby