| Drug Name |
Tofacitinib |
| Drug ID |
BADD_D02236 |
| Description |
Tofacitinib is an inhibitor of Janus kinases, a group of intracellular enzymes involved in signalling pathways that affect hematopoiesis and immune cell function. It is approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis that responds inadequately to methotrexate or in those who are intolerant to methotrexate.
Besides rheumatoid arthritis, tofacitinib has also been studied in clinical trials for the prevention of organ transplant rejection, and is currently under investigation for the treatment of psoriasis. Known adverse effects include nausea and headache as well as more serious immunologic and hematological adverse effects. Tofacitinib is marketed under the brand name Xeljanz by Pfizer. |
| Indications and Usage |
For the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis which is resistant or intolerant to methotrexate therapy. It may also be used as an adjunct to methotrexate therapy, or other non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS), when methotrexate alone is not sufficient.
Tofacitinib has also been investigated as a preventative therapy for kidney transplant rejections, and as a treatment for psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
It is not to be initiated in patients with a history of chronic or recurrent infections, or in the presence of active infection, even if localized, due to reports of serious and sometimes fatal infections (commonly pneumonia, herpes zoster and urinary tract infections). Use of tofacitinib is also discouraged in those who have been, or are likely to be, exposed to TB. An increased likelihood of exposure may be encountered by traveling to certain areas. In addition, tofacitinib is not to be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment, or low hemoglobin (less than 9g/dL). Cautioned is advised when using tofacitinib in patients at risk of gastrointestinal perforation, and in the elderly who are more susceptible to infection. |
| Marketing Status |
approved; investigational |
| ATC Code |
L04AA29 |
| DrugBank ID |
DB08895
|
| KEGG ID |
D09970
|
| MeSH ID |
C479163
|
| PubChem ID |
9926791
|
| TTD Drug ID |
D0EG1I
|
| NDC Product Code |
0069-1002; 63539-012; 0069-0502; 42816-0501; 63539-501; 0069-0501; 0069-1001; 0069-1029; 63539-016; 63539-502; 71796-050 |
| UNII |
87LA6FU830
|
| Synonyms |
tofacitinib | tasocitinib | tofacitinib citrate | Xeljanz | CP 690,550 | CP690550 | CP-690550 | CP 690550 | CP-690,550 |
