INTRODUCTION

LUPIN TOFAKIN contains Tofacitinib which belongs to a group of medicines called Janus Kinase inhibitors. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that mainly causes pain and swelling of joints.

Tofacitinib is Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are intracellular enzymes which transmit signals arising from cytokine or growth factor-receptor interactions on the cellular membrane to influence cellular processes of hematopoiesis and immune cell function. It works by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway to decrease the inflammatory response.

Before taking LUPIN TOFAKIN, tell your physician if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is not suitable for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. The common side effects are headache, nausea, diarrhoea and upper respiratory tract infections.

USES OF LUPIN TOFAKIN

• Treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

HOW LUPIN TOFAKIN WORKS

Tofacitinib works by decreasing cytokines, which is a protein in the body that helps to control the immune system. When a body has an infection, cytokines increase to help fight the infection.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take LUPIN TOFAKIN as instructed by your doctor. Swallow whole and do not crush or chew. It can be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LUPIN TOFAKIN

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a wet or cold cloth to forehead and rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Nausea:

Take normal regular meals and do not eat spicy foods.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks and eat light, bland foods, avoid sweets.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking,

• rifampicin (treats bacterial infections)
• fluconazole, ketoconazole (treats fungal infections)
• targeted biologic (antibody) therapies
• azathioprine, mercaptopurine, ciclosporine and tacrolimus
• prednisone

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT LUPIN TOFAKIN

Can I take LUPIN TOFAKIN if I have liver problems?

It is not recommended if you have severe liver problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

How long does it take for LUPIN TOFAKIN to start working?

It takes about 2 to 8 weeks before you start feeling better, and it can take 3 to 6 months to feel the maximum effect of this medication.

Is LUPIN TOFAKIN an immunosuppressant?

Yes, it is an immunosuppressant (a medicine that reduces the activity of the immune system) that works by blocking the action of enzymes known as Janus kinases.

REFERENCES

1. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page - 1373-1374.

2. Jennifer A Hodge, Thomas T Kawabata, Sriram Krishnaswami, James D Clark, Jean-Baptiste Telliez, Martin E Dowty, Sujatha Menon, Manisha Lamba and Samuel Zwillich. The mechanism of action of tofacitinib - an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [Accessed on June 12, 2021] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26966791/

3. Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH. [Revised on Nov, 2020] [Accessed on June 12, 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2500.pdf

4. Pfizer Europe MA EEIG. March 22, 2017. [Accessed on June 12, 2021] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/xeljanz-epar-product-information_en.pdf

5. Pfizer Labs. Sep, 2020. [Accessed on June 12, 2021] https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=959

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Rheumatoid Factor - Agglutination
• Rheumatoid Factor - Turbidometry
• Rheumatoid Factor IgG Antibody