TOFACITINIB - ORAL

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TOFACITINIB - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (TOE-fa-SYE-ti-nib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xeljanz

GENERIC NAME(S): tofacitinib citrate

Uses

USES: Tofacitinib is used to treat psoriatic arthritis and moderate-to-severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints. Tofacitinib is also used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.


How to use TOFACITINIB - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking tofacitinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, laboratory tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time(s) each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Headache or diarrhea may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, severe stomach/abdominal pain, signs of liver disease (such as dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection, including: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, persistent cough, night sweats, trouble breathing, painful/frequent urination, warm/red/painful skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking tofacitinib, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (such as hepatitis B or C), kidney disease, blood/bone marrow disorders (such as anemia, low lymphocyte/neutrophil count), past/recent/current infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes zoster, HIV infection), cancer, other stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ulcers, diverticulitis), lung disease. Tofacitinib can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for infections while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are planning pregnancy or become pregnant. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for at least 18 hours after the last dose is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of tofacitinib from your body, which may affect how tofacitinib works. Examples include rifampin, among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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XELJANZ 5 MG TABLET
XELJANZ 5 MG TABLET
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Pfizer, JKI 5
XELJANZ 10 MG TABLET
XELJANZ 10 MG TABLET
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Pfizer, JKI 10

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Faq for TOFACITINIB - ORAL

Tofacitinib is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Tofacitinib works by blocking specific enzymes called Janus kinases, which play a role in the immune system and inflammation. By inhibiting these enzymes, Tofacitinib helps reduce the inappropriate immune response and inflammation associated with the conditions it is prescribed for.

Common side effects of Tofacitinib may include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, diarrhea, nausea, and increased blood pressure. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a complete list of potential side effects.

Tofacitinib is not approved for use in children or adolescents under the age of 18. The safety and effectiveness of Tofacitinib in this population have not been established.

Tofacitinib is usually taken twice daily with or without food, as directed by a healthcare professional. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by the doctor.

Tofacitinib may pose potential risks to a developing fetus, and its use during pregnancy is generally not recommended unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk. It is also not known if Tofacitinib can pass into breast milk, so it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before using it while breastfeeding.

Certain medications, such as immunosuppressive drugs or live vaccines, may interact with Tofacitinib and increase the risk of infection. It is important to inform the healthcare professional about all current medications before starting Tofacitinib.

The onset of action of Tofacitinib can vary depending on the condition being treated. In some cases, significant improvement may be observed within a few weeks, while for others, it may take several months. The response to treatment can also differ among individuals.

Tofacitinib can be used both as a monotherapy or in combination with other medications, depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's needs. The decision is usually made by the prescribing healthcare professional.

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Warning

WARNING: Tofacitinib may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection (such as fungal infections, bacterial infections including tuberculosis) or make any infection you have worse. The most common serious infections include pneumonia, skin infections, shingles, a certain bowel disease (diverticulitis), swelling of the appendix (appendicitis), and urinary tract infections. The risk for infections may be higher if you also take other drugs that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus). You should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test before and during treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of past/recent/current infections. You should also tell your doctor if you have lived or traveled in areas where certain fungal infections (such as coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common or if you have been near someone with tuberculosis. Areas where these types of fungal infections are commonly found include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the southwestern United States. See Side Effects section for symptoms of infections to watch out for, and tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms. Though it is very unlikely to occur, there may be a risk of developing cancer (such as lymphoma, skin cancer) with this medication. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as unusual lumps/growths, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, change in appearance or size of moles, or unusual skin changes. In patients with a kidney transplant who are also taking other drugs that suppress the immune system, there may also be a risk of developing a certain white blood cell disorder (Epstein Barr Virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder) with this medication. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.