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Tofacitinib

Generic Name: Tofacitinib

Brand Names: Xeljanz

Tofacitinib is a JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions.

RheumatologicGastrointestinalJAK Inhibitor

What It's Used For

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nasopharyngitis

Serious side effects (boxed warnings):

  • Serious infections
  • Malignancy
  • Thrombosis (PE, DVT)
  • Major cardiovascular events
  • Death

Additional Information

What is Tofacitinib?

Tofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor that blocks JAK1 and JAK3 signaling pathways.

Boxed Warnings

FDA boxed warnings include increased risks of:

  • Serious infections
  • Malignancy (especially lymphoma)
  • Blood clots
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Death

Use Restrictions

Due to safety concerns, reserved for patients who have failed TNF inhibitors.

For details, see MedlinePlus.

Related Health Conditions

This medication is commonly used to treat or manage the following conditions:

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum, driven by immune dysfunction, genetics, and environmental factors, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Learn More

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes in the immune system, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation, with various types, causes, and associations to infections and toxins.

Learn More

Stroke

A stroke, caused by interrupted brain blood supply from blockage (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic), is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to minimize brain damage.

Learn More

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and medical history.

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