Description

How It Works

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by a dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines signalling results in tissue inflammation and joint damage by stimulating the recruitment and activation of immune cells via the janus kinase signalling pathway. Tofacitinib is a partial and reversible janus kinase (JAK) inihibitor that will prevent the body from responding to cytokine signals. By inhibiting JAKs, tofacitinib prevents the phosphorylation and activation of STATs. The JAK-STAT signalling pathway is involved in the transcription of cells involved in hematopoiesis, and immune cell function. Tofacitinib works therapeutically by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway to decrease the inflammatory response.

Precautions

Precautions should be taken if patients have:
• An infection or have symptoms of an infection
• A history of tuberculosis
• Any chronic lung disease
• Liver & kidney problems
• A high risk of developing skin cancer
• Cardiovascular problems had hepatitis B or hepatitis C ever had any type of cancer

Precautions should also be taken in case of children and elder patients.

Contraindications

Tofacitinib citrate must not be used in the following conditions:
• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient(s) or to any of the excipients of the medicine

This medicine may also be contraindicated if patients are having history of:
• Active tuberculosis (TB)
• Serious infections such as sepsis, or opportunistic infections
• Severe hepatic impairment

Side Effects

Report to the physician immediately if the patients are having any of these following symptoms:
• Fever and chills
• Cough
• Skin blisters
• Stomach ache
• Persistent headaches
• Lung infection
• Infections of nose
• Urinary bladder infection
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Low red blood cell count
• Fever
• Rash

Food To Avoid

If allergic to any food, please consult with the physician.

During this medication, grapefruit products should be avoided. Dose adjustments are required when administering CYP3A4 inhibitors (grapefruit) and CYP2C19 inhibitors with tofacitinib. St. John’s Wort should be avoided as this herb induces the CYP3A4 metabolism of tofacitinib and may reduce its serum concentration.

Alocohol Interaction

Consumption of alcohol is not advisable.

Pregnancy Lactation  Protocol

Pregnancy Category: C
Please consult with the physician during pregnancy and lactation.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C.