Tofacitinib citrate, also known as Xeljanz, is a medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which relieves joint pain and inflammation.
This compound acts inside cells, inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes, JAK kinases, which prevent the production of specific cytokines; this inhibition reduces the immune system’s inflammatory response, reducing joint inflammation.
- Tofacitinib citrate is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have not responded to other treatments.
You should take 1 tablet of tofacitinib citrate 2 times a day, which can be taken alone or in combination with other rheumatoid arthritis medications, such as methotrexate, for example.
Tofacitinib citrate tablets should be swallowed whole, without breaking or chewing and with a glass of water.
Some of the side effects of tofacitinib citrate may include infection of the nose and pharynge, pneumonia, herpes zoster, bronchitis, influenza, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, pharynge infection, changes in blood test results and increased liver enzymes, weight gain, abdominal pain, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, nausea, poor digestion, increased blood fat and , muscle, tendon or ligament pain, joint pain, anemia, fever, excessive fatigue, swelling of the limbs of the body, headache, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, cough or hives on the skin.
Tofacitinib citrate is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, patients with severe liver disease and patients allergic to tofacitinib citrate or other ingredients of the formula.
In addition, it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women without the recommendation of a doctor.