Have you or someone you know been prescribed Tofacitinib by a doctor? Or have you heard about this drug somewhere and come here to learn more about it? However, in this article, we will talk about Tofacitinib extended-release tablets in a simple, understandable way. We will look at many things such as what this drug is for, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
So, what is Tofacitinib?
Simply put, Tofacitinib is a drug that is used to treat certain specific conditions. It is mainly used to:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that causes swelling and pain in the joints and lasts for a long time.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: This is also a type of arthritis. It sometimes occurs in people with psoriasis.
- Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that affects multiple joints and occurs in young children.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the joints of the spine.
- Ulcerative Colitis: This is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes sores in the lining of the large intestine.
This medicine works by acting on your body's immune system . Our body's immune system usually protects us from diseases. But sometimes this system becomes overactive and starts attacking our own body's cells. That's when the above-mentioned diseases occur. The medicine called Tofacitinib belongs to a group of drugs called JAK inhibitors . It works by controlling some of the things that are wrong with the immune system. Then the symptoms start to decrease.
This medicine may also be used by doctors for other conditions, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The common brand name for this medication is Xeljanz XR .
What should you tell your doctor before starting this medication?
Okay, now let's see what you need to tell your doctor or nurse before you start taking Tofacitinib. These are very important, because this medicine is not suitable for everyone. If you have one or more of the following conditions, you should tell your doctor :
- Blood clots: Have you ever had blood clots in your veins before? Or has anyone in your family ever had one?
- Cancer: Have you ever had cancer, or does anyone in your family have cancer? Has your doctor told you that you are at risk of developing cancer?
- Diabetes Mellitus (that means sugar disease): Are you a diabetic?
- Heart disease: Do you have a heart condition?
- High blood pressure: Do you have high blood pressure?
- High cholesterol: Do you have high blood cholesterol levels?
- HIV or AIDS: Is there a disease that reduces immunity like this?
- Immune system problems: Do you have any other immune system-related diseases?
- Infections: Do you get infections often? Especially viral infections like chickenpox, cold sores, herpes, and hepatitis B.
- Tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections: Do you currently have tuberculosis, have you ever had it, or have you been treated for it?
- Kidney disease: Is there any problem with your kidneys?
- Liver disease: Is there any liver disease?
- Low blood counts: Are you experiencing low white blood cell, platelet, or red blood cell counts?
- Lung or breathing disease: Do you have breathing problems such as asthma or COPD?
- Organ transplant: Have you had an organ transplant?
- Smoke tobacco cigarettes: Do you smoke cigarettes?
- Stomach or intestine problems: Do you have any problems like stomach ulcers?
- Allergic reaction to tofacitinib or other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives: Have you ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or anything else?
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important.
- If you are breastfeeding: Tell your doctor about this as well.
This list is a bit long, but it's all for your safety.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken by mouth with water . It is best to take it at the same time every day , as your doctor has told you.
Important: Do not cut, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
You can take this with or without food. However, if you feel upset stomach, take it with food. You should continue to take this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
When you are given this medicine by the pharmacy, you will also be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . You should read this leaflet carefully each time you take the medicine, and when you get a refill. It contains important information.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children , so talk to your child's doctor about it.
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the nearest hospital emergency department or poison control center immediately.
One more thing: This medicine is for you only. Don't share it with others, okay?
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
This is also a very important point. Some medications can cause problems if taken together with Tofacitinib.
Do not take Tofacitinib with the following medications:
- Upadacitinib
Additionally, the following medications may interact with Tofacitinib (meaning they may cause side effects):
- Some antiviral medicines for hepatitis, HIV, or AIDS
- Azathioprine
- Some biologic medicines (examples: abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, ofatumumab, rituximab, sarilumab, secukinumab, tocilizumab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab)
- Some medications for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole )
- Some medications used to treat conditions such as epilepsy (fits) (examples: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin )
- Cyclosporine
- Live vaccines ( some vaccines should not be given while taking this medicine)
- Medicines that reduce your body's ability to fight infections
- Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis)
- Some supplements, for example St. John's wort
- Tacrolimus
This list does not include all medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, and dietary supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some of these may interact with this medication.
What should I be careful about when using this medicine?
While taking this medicine, your doctor will check your health regularly (regular check-ups) . Go to the doctor regularly. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
You will also need to have blood work done while taking this medicine.
Another thing is, the coating part of this medicine does not dissolve. That is normal. You may see the coating part of the pill coming out with your stool. Don't worry about it. It is not a problem. The medicinal part of the medicine has been absorbed into the body.
This medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or runny nose, do not self-medicate and seek medical advice. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
Do not take fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen without your doctor's advice. These can suppress the fever and make it difficult to detect an infection.
Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk . Taking this medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing some types of cancer.
Special attention regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It may cause serious harm to your unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information.
Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for at least 36 hours after stopping the medicine.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Okay, now let's talk about the side effects that some people may experience when using this medication. Not everyone gets these, but it's good to be aware of them.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay:
- Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Blood clot: Chest pain; difficulty breathing; leg pain, swelling, or a warm feeling.
- Heart attack: Difficulty breathing; pain or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms; feeling unusually weak or tired.
- Infection: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty urinating.
- Light colored stool.
- Liver injury: dark yellow or brown urine; feeling unwell or flu-like symptoms; loss of appetite, pain in the upper right abdomen; unusual weakness or tiredness, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Low red blood cell counts: Shortness of breath; fainting; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; unusual weakness or tiredness.
- Stroke: Vision changes; confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; severe headache; sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance.
- Tears in the stomach or intestines: fever; stomach pain; sudden change in bowel habits.
Usually there is no big problem, but if it persists, here are some things to tell your doctor :
These are usually not serious, but if they continue to be bothersome, tell your doctor :
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion - runny or stuffy nose
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please ask your doctor about it.
How should I store the medicine? What do I do if there is any left over?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) . Do not use expired medications. They should be discarded.
How to dispose of unused and expired medications:
- Give the medicine to a medicine take-back program. You can ask your pharmacy or the police about such a place.
- If you can't return it that way, check the label or package insert to see if this medicine should be thrown away or flushed down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you can throw it in the trash, take the medicine out of the bottle/packet, mix it with something like cat litter, soil, or coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed bag or container, and throw it in the trash.
The most important thing - remember! (Take-Home Message)
Tofacitinib can be a very useful drug, but only if it is used correctly.
- Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
- If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor about them.
- This medicine is for you only, do not share it with others.
- If you have any questions or doubts, don't be shy to ask your doctor or pharmacist .
This information sheet is a summary only. It may not contain all the details. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
` Tofacitinib, Tofacitinib, Xeljanz XR, arthritis, joint inflammation, JAK inhibitor, immune system, ulcerative colitis
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