Tofacitinib: JAK inhibitor drugs list & guide
Tofacitinib is a modern immunosuppressant belonging to the class of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works intracellularly by blocking cytokine signaling pathways that play a pivotal role in inflammation and immune responses.
The substance is widely used to treat severe autoimmune diseases, helping to reduce pain, swelling, and prevent damage to joints or intestinal tissues. On Unifarm, you can find a list of medications containing this active ingredient.
Indications
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Moderate to severe active RA in adults who have had an inadequate response to methotrexate.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Active PsA in adult patients.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Moderate to severe active UC in patients with an inadequate response to standard therapies.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Active AS in adults.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Polyarticular course in patients 2 years of age and older.
Dosage and administration
Tofacitinib medications are taken orally, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed (especially extended-release formulations).
Typical Treatment Regimens:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriatic Arthritis: Typically 5 mg twice daily or 11 mg once daily (extended-release).
- Ulcerative Colitis: Induction dose may be 10 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 5–10 mg twice daily.
Exact dosage and duration constitute a medical decision made by a physician.
- Hypersensitivity to Tofacitinib.
- Serious active infections (including tuberculosis, sepsis).
- Severe hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance (for lactose-containing formulations).
JAK inhibitor therapy requires regular monitoring of blood tests:
- Infections: Increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, herpes zoster.
- Nervous System: Headache.
- Cardiovascular: Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Laboratory findings: Increased cholesterol and lipid levels, decreased neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK).
