Let's learn about Tofacitinib tablets. It's important for you!

Has a doctor prescribed a drug called Tofacitinib to you or someone you know? It's normal for questions to come to mind, isn't it? "What is this drug? What will happen with this? What should I be careful about?" Things like that. So today, let's talk about this drug Tofacitinib in a simple way that you can understand. Just like talking to a friend.

What kind of medicine is Tofacitinib? What is it used for?

Simply put, Tofacitinib is a drug used to treat certain types of arthritis and other immune system-related diseases. You may have heard of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are inflammatory and painful diseases of the joints. This drug is used to treat those types of diseases. It is also used to treat a condition called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis, which affects the intestines.

This medicine works by affecting our body's immune system . We have a system in our body that protects us from diseases, right? That's what we call the immune system. Sometimes this system becomes overactive and starts attacking our own body's cells. That's when the diseases mentioned above occur. The medicine called Tofacitinib belongs to a class of medicines called JAK inhibitors. These work by controlling some of the unwanted activities of the immune system. Then those symptoms are reduced, and you get relief.

You may also get this medicine from the pharmacy under the brand name `(Xeljanz)`. That is also the same medicine.

What are the things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine?

This is very important . Before you start taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Do not hide even the smallest details. Because, you need to be very careful when giving this medicine to people with certain medical conditions.

If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor:

• Blood clotting issues: Have you had blood clots before? Or has anyone in your family had them?
• Cancer: Do you currently have cancer, or have you had it before and been cured?
• Diabetes Mellitus: Do you have diabetes?
• Heart disease: Do you have heart disease?
• High blood pressure: Is the pressure too high?
• High cholesterol: Is cholesterol high?
• HIV or AIDS: Do you have HIV or AIDS?
• Weak immune system: Did you know that your body's ability to resist disease is low?
• Frequent infections: Do you get frequent illnesses like colds and flu? Especially viral infections like chickenpox and herpes, bacterial infections like tuberculosis, and fungal infections.
• Kidney Disease: Do you have kidney problems?
• Liver disease: Do you have liver problems?
• Blood disorders: Are there low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets?
• Lung or respiratory diseases: Do you have breathing difficulties such as asthma or COPD?
• Organ transplant: Have you ever had an organ transplant?
• Smoking: Do you smoke cigarettes?
• Stomach or intestinal problems: Things like stomach ulcers and gastritis.
• Allergies: Are you allergic to Tofacitinib, other medications, foods, or dyes?
• If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant: This is very important.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

This list is a bit long, but it's all for your safety.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine comes in the form of tablets. You have to take it with a glass of water. Be very careful to take the right amount, at the right time, as your doctor tells you.

• You can take this before or after meals. However, if you feel upset stomach, take it with food.
• Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop taking it suddenly, even if you feel better.
• When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet called ``MedGuide''. Always read it carefully. It contains important information.

If you give this medicine to children: This medicine can be given to children as young as 2 years old in some special cases. However, you should talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.

Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medication, you should immediately go to a hospital emergency room or call a poison control center.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It could harm them.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

That's possible, isn't it? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

What other medications may interact with this medicine? (Drug Interactions)

This is also something to be very careful about. There are some medications that can cause problems when taken together with Tofacitinib.

Medicines that should never be taken with this medicine:

• Upadacitinib

Other medications that may interact with this medicine:

• Antiviral medicines for hepatitis, HIV, or AIDS.
• Azathioprine.
• Biologic medicines include drugs such as Abatacept, Adalimumab, and Tocilizumab. (There are many more, your doctor will know about them.)
• Some medications for fungal infections, such as Fluconazole and Ketoconazole.
• Some medications used for epilepsy, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin.
• Cyclosporine.
• Live vaccines.
• Other medications that reduce the body's immunity.
• Rifampin.
• Supplements such as St. John's wort.
• Tacrolimus.

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed by your doctor, bought at the pharmacy, traditional medicines, herbs, vitamins, nutritional supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take other drugs. These things can interact with the medicine.

What should I be aware of when taking this medicine?

While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will regularly check your health. Go to the doctor on the scheduled days .

• If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
• You will need to have blood tests while taking this medicine. Get them done properly.
• This medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing infections . Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or a cold, do not self-medicate and seek medical advice. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
• Do not take painkillers and fever-reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as they can mask the presence of a fever.
• Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk. Taking this medicine may slightly increase your risk of developing some types of cancer.
• Avoid getting pregnant: Do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. If you are trying to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
• Avoid breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medication or for at least 18 hours after stopping the medication.

What side effects might I experience from this medication?

Like any medicine, Tofacitinib can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.

Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, and face.
• Blood clot: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg pain, swelling, or warmth.
• Heart attack: Difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms, extreme fatigue.
• Infection: Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty urinating.
• Light-colored stools.
• Liver injury: Dark yellow or brown urine, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Low red blood cells: shortness of breath, fainting, feeling dizzy, fainting, extreme fatigue.
• 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.

Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Diarrhea (stomach ache)
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nasal congestion or runny nose

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, tell your doctor about it.

How should I store my medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
• Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

How do I dispose of unused or expired medicine?

• The best thing to do is to go to a place that has a program to take back these types of medications (at least ask at a pharmacy) and give them to them.
• If not, check the medicine bottle or label to see if it has instructions on how to dispose of it in the trash or 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, 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.

Finally, I have to tell you... (Take-Home Message)

Tofacitinib is an important medicine that can help you manage your condition. But keep these things in mind when using it:

• Talk to your doctor about everything: your other illnesses, any medications you take, and any side effects you experience.
• Follow the instructions exactly: take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time. Do not stop taking it suddenly.
• Be alert: Be aware of new symptoms and side effects. If you have any concerns, tell your doctor.
• Do not share medication: This is for you only.
• Take special care during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. They will be able to help you.

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