Tofacitinib (Oral route)

Tofacitinib (By mouth)

toe-fa-SYE-ti-nib

Drug classes

Antirheumatic, Musculoskeletal Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Tofacitinib is used alone or together with other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis. This medicine is used in patients who have taken other medicines (eg, methotrexate) that did not work well. Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works on the immune system.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how tofacitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Methotrexate Rifampin Steroid medicine (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone) Medicine to treat an infection (fluconazole, ketoconazole) Medicines that weaken your immune system (azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus)

This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tofacitinib.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), HIV, cancer or a history of cancer, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcers), or a history of tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have a current infection or an infection that keeps coming back.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Higher risk of certain cancers, such as nonmelanoma skin cancer or lymphoma Gastrointestinal perforation Increased cholesterol levels Increased risk of shingles infection

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or yellow skin or eyes

Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, night sweats, and body aches

Skin or mole changes, sores that do not heal

Stomach pain, cramping, bloody stools

Swollen glands

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Xeljanz

There may be other brand names for this medicine.