Therapeutic Class-
Immunosuppressant
Pharmacology-
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by a dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL7, IL15, IL21, IL6, IFN-alpha, and IFN-beta. (3) 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. However, there is evidence to suggest that it may also achieve efficacy via other pathways as well.
Side Effects-
Pregnancy & Lactation-
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Tofacitinib should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether Tofacitinib is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Tofacitinib, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother.
Precautions & Warnings-
Serious Infections: Avoid use of Tofacitinib during an active serious infection, including localized infections.
Gastrointestinal Perforations: Use with caution in patients that may be at increased risk.
Laboratory Monitoring: Recommended due to potential changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, liver enzymes and lipids.
Immunizations: Live vaccines: Avoid use with Tofacitinib.
Do not initiate Tofacitinib if absolute lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm3, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1000 cells/mm3 or hemoglobin <9 gm/dL.
Use in Special Populations-
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Tofacitinib in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use: The frequency of serious infection among Tofacitinib-treated subjects 65 years of age and older was higher than among those under the age of 65. As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly population in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly.
Storage Conditions-
Store at 20°C to 25°C
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.