Tofacitinib is a monoclonal antibody (protein which attaches to a specific target) that was approved for its medical use on 21st November 2012.

Tofacitinib Tablet has been developed to treat various inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and juvenile psoriatic arthritis.

Tofacitinib is available as film coated tablets in the doses 5mg and 10mg. The recommended dose for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Juvenile psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing Spondylitis is 5mg twice a day. The recommended dose for patients with ulcerative colitis is 10mg twice a day for 8 weeks followed by 5mg twice a day. Your health care provider may decide to stop tofacitinib treatment if there is no improvement within 16 weeks.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Tofacitinib Tablet are lung infection, herpes, infections of the nose/ throat, influenza, sinusitis, cystitis, sore throat, muscle problems, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, anemia, fever, tiredness, headache, high blood pressure, cough, and rash. If you experience persistent headaches, skin blisters, blood in the stool, chest tightness, wheezing, severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, pain in the upper back, swelling of the leg or arm, leg pain, redness or discoloration in the leg or arm, severe chest tightness, or sudden dizziness. Tofacitinib is not recommended if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have a history of tuberculosis, heart problems, Hepatitis B, ulcers, inflammation of the intestine, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, chronic lung disease or skin cancer. During this treatment your physician may monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. Inform your health care provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures.

Ask your health care provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. Tofacitinib is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and consider using them for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of Tofacitinib.

Contact your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Check with your health care provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

1. Pfizer Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Mar 2022] [Accessed on 6th Sep 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7986.pdf

2. Matthew J. Sewell, Craig N. Burkhart, and Dean S. Morrell, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological basis of Therapeutics, Dermatological Pharmacology, 13th Edition, 2018, 1271-1296.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.