Tofacitinib — Janus Kinase Inhibitor [EPC]. INDICATIONS AND USAGE XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) and XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. XELJANZ tablets
Boxed warning
WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS, and THROMBOSIS SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with tofacitinib extended-release tablets are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. If a serious infection develops, interrupt tofacitinib extended-release tablets until the infection is controlled. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before tofacitinib extended-release tablets use and during therapy. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to tofacitinib extended-release tablets use. Invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcosis and pneumocystosis. Patients with invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Bacterial, viral, including herpes zoster, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens. The risks and benefits of treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. MORTALITY In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor comparing tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice a day to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, a higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, was observed with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice a day [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. A tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily (or a tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosage is not recommended for the treatment of RA or PsA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. MALIGNANCIES Malignancies, including lymphomas and solid tumors, have occurred in patients treated with tofacitinib and other Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In RA patients, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding NMSC) was observed in patients treated with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice a day compared with TNF blockers [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Lymphomas and lung cancers were observed at a higher rate in patients treated with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice a day in RA patients compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Epstein Barr Virus-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder has been observed at an increased rate in renal transplant patients treated with tofacitinib and concomitant immunosuppressive medications [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, treated with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice daily or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily, had a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke), compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Discontinue tofacitinib in patients that have experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. THROMBOSIS Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis have occurred in patients treated with tofacitinib and other Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these events were serious and some resulted in death. RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice daily or tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily compared to TNF blockers had an observed increase in incidence of these events. Avoid tofacitinib in patients at risk. Discontinue tofacitinib and promptly evaluate patients with symptoms of thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS (MACE), and THROMBOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of serious bacterial, fungal, viral, and opportunistic infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB). Interrupt treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets if serious infection occurs until the infection is controlled. Test for latent TB before and during therapy; treat latent TB prior to use. Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even patients with initial negative latent TB test. ( 5.1 ) Higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death with tofacitinib vs. TNF blockers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. ( 5.2 ) Malignancies have occurred in patients treated with tofacitinib. Higher rate of lymphomas and lung cancers with tofacitinib vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. ( 5.3 ) Higher rate of MACE (defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) with tofacitinib vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. ( 5.4 ) Thrombosis has occurred in patients treated with tofacitinib. Increased incidence of pulmonary embolism, venous and arterial thrombosis with tofacitinib vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. ( 5.5 )
INDICATIONS AND USAGE XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) and XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. XELJANZ tablets and XELJANZ XR are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: • Moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. • Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. • Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. • Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) are indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with: • Active PsA, who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. • Active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use : • Use of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR for RA, AS, PsA, or pcJIA in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. ( 1.1 , 1.2 , 1.3 , 1.4 ) • Use of XELJANZ tablets and XELJANZ XR for UC in combination with biological therapies for UC or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. ( 1.5 ) 1.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis XELJANZ tablets and XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use Use of XELJANZ tablets or XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. 1.2 Psoriatic Arthritis XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) is indicated for the treatment of adults with active PsA who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use Use of XELJANZ or XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. 1.3 Ankylosing Spondylitis XELJANZ tablets and XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use Use of XELJANZ tablets or XELJANZ XR in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. 1.4 Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) are indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with of active polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA), who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use Use of XELJANZ in combination with biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. 1.5 Ulcerative Colitis XELJANZ tablets and XELJANZ XR (extended-release tablets) are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), who have an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers. Limitations of Use Use of XELJANZ tablets or XELJANZ XR in combination with biological therapies for UC or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended Evaluations and Immunization Prior to Treatment Initiation Prior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets , consider performing an active and latent TB evaluation, viral hepatitis screening, a complete blood count, and updating immunizations. Avoid tofacitinib extended-release tablets initiation if absolute lymphocyte count < 500 cells/mm3, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 1,000 cells/mm3 or hemoglobin < 9 g/dL. ( 2.1 ) Important Administration Instructions Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not substitutable with tofacitinib tablets and tofacitinib oral solution. ( 2.2 ) Switching between tofacitinib tablets and tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be made by the healthcare provider. ( 2.2 ) Recommended Dosage Adult Patients with RA, PsA or AS Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg ones daily. ( 2.3 ) Adult Patients with UC Induction: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for 8 weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed, continue tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for a maximum of 16 weeks. Discontinue tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily after 16 weeks if adequate therapeutic response is not achieved. ( 2.5 ) Maintenance: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily. For patients with loss of response during maintenance treatment, tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily may be considered and limited to the shortest duration, with careful consideration of the benefits and risks for the individual patient. Use the lowest effective dose needed to maintain response. ( 2.5 ) Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment or Hepatic Impairment Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with severe HI is not recommended. ( 2.3 , 2.5 , 8.7 ) See full prescribing information (FPI) for recommended dosage in patients with moderate or severe RI or moderate HI. ( 2.3 , 2.5 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) Dosage Modification See the full prescribing information for dosage modification by indication for patients who concomitantly use CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors and patients with lymphopenia, neutropenia, or anemia. ( 2.3 , 2.5 , 7 ) 2.1 Recommended Evaluations and Immunization Prior to Treatment Initiation Prior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets , consider performing the following: Active and latent tuberculosis (TB) infection evaluation: If the patient has latent TB, treat for TB prior to tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Viral hepatitis screening in accordance with clinical guidelines [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. A complete blood count: Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with a lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm 3 , absolute neutrophil count less than 1,000 cells/mm 3 , or hemoglobin level less than 9 g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. Baseline hepatic function evaluation: tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Update immunizations according to current immunization guidelines. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )]. 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not substitutable with tofacitinib tablets and tofacitinib oral solution. Switching between tofacitinib tablets and tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be made by the healthcare provider. Dose interruption is recommended for management of lymphopenia, neutropenia, and anemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Interrupt use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Take tofacitinib extended-release tablets with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Swallow tofacitinib extended-release tablets whole and intact. Do not crush, split, or chew the extended-release tablets [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis Table 1 displays the recommended dosage of tofacitinib extended-release tablets for adults with RA, PsA, and AS [see Indication and Usage ( 1.1 , 1.2 , 1.3 )] with and without renal impairment (including those who are undergoing hemodialysis) or hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )]. The table also displays the recommended dosage modifications for patients concomitantly using CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], and patients with lymphopenia, neutropenia, or anemia. Table 1 Recommended Dosage of Tofacitinib extended-release tablets in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or Ankylosing Spondylitis a Excludes patients who concomitantly use tofacitinib extended-release tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) and strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s), as well as patients with lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm 3 , ANC < 1,000 cells/mm 3 , or hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL or a decrease of more than 2 g/dL. b Tofacitinib PK was evaluated in subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment, where the severity of renal impairment was defined based on creatinine clearance (CLcr) estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation: CLcr > 80 mL/min (normal renal function); > 50 and ≤ 80 mL/min (mild renal impairment); ≥ 30 and ≤ 50 mL/min (moderate renal impairment); < 30 mL/min (severe renal impairment). Adults Tofacitinib extended-release tablets Patients with Normal Renal and Hepatic Function a 11 mg once daily Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment (RI) b Mild RI (CLcr > 50 and ≤ 80 mL/min) 11 mg once daily Moderate RI (CLcr ≥ 30 and ≤ 50 mL/min) Tofacitinib tablets 5 mg once daily Severe RI (CLcr < 30 mL/min) Tofacitinib tablets 5 mg once daily For patients undergoing hemodialysis, administer the dose after the dialysis session on dialysis days. If a dose was taken before the dialysis procedure, supplemental doses are not recommended after dialysis. Recommended Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment (HI) Mild HI (Child-Pugh A) 11 mg once daily Moderate HI (Child-Pugh B) Tofacitinib tablets 5 mg once daily Severe HI (Child-Pugh C) Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended. Dosage Modifications with Concomitant Use of CYP3A4 and/or CYP2C19 Inhibitor(s) Strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) 11 mg once daily Moderate CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) with strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) (e.g., fluconazole) Tofacitinib tablets 5 mg once daily Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) Dosage Modifications for Lymphopenia, Neutropenia, or Anemia Patients with lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm 3 , confirmed by repeat testing Discontinue dosing. Patients with ANC less than 500 cells/mm 3 Discontinue dosing. Patients with ANC 500 cells/mm 3 to 1,000 cells/mm 3 Interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1000, resume 11 mg once daily. Patients with hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL or a decrease of more than 2 g/dL Interrupt dosing until hemoglobin values have normalized. Switching from Tofacitinib Tablets to Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets Patients treated with tofacitinib tablets 5 mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily the day following the last dose of tofacitinib tablets 5 mg. 2.5 Recommended Dosage in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis Table 3 displays the recommended dosage of tofacitinib extended-release tablets
Warnings
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serious Infections: Avoid use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets during an active serious infection, including localized infections. ( 5.1 ) Gastrointestinal Perforations: Use with caution in patients that may be at increased risk. ( 5.6 ) Laboratory Monitoring: Recommended due to potential changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, liver enzymes and lipids. ( 5.8 ) Immunizations: Live vaccines: Avoid use with tofacitinib extended-release tablets ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving tofacitinib. The most common serious infections reported with tofacitinib included pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, urinary tract infection, diverticulitis, and appendicitis. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, esophageal candidiasis, pneumocystosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus infections, BK virus infection, and listeriosis were reported with tofacitinib. Some patients have presented with disseminated rather than localized disease, and were often taking concomitant immunomodulating agents such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Other serious infections that were not reported in clinical studies may also occur (e.g., coccidioidomycosis). Avoid use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection who have been exposed to tuberculosis with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient; appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated, and the patient should be closely monitored. Caution is also recommended in patients with a history of chronic lung disease, or in those who develop interstitial lung disease, as they may be more prone to infections. Risk of infection may be higher with increasing degrees of lymphopenia and consideration should be given to lymphocyte counts when assessing individual patient risk of infection. Discontinuation and monitoring criteria for lymphopenia are recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. Tuberculosis Patients should be evaluated and tested for latent or active infection prior to and per applicable guidelines during administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Anti-tuberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but who have risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, including patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Patients with latent tuberculosis should be treated with standard antimycobacterial therapy before administering tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Viral Reactivation Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), were observed in clinical studies with tofacitinib tablets. Postmarketing cases of hepatitis B reactivation have been reported in patients treated with tofacitinib tablets. The impact of tofacitinib on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients who screened positive for hepatitis B or C were excluded from clinical trials. Screening for viral hepatitis should be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting therapy with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. The risk of herpes zoster is increased in patients treated with tofacitinib and appears to be higher in patients treated with tofacitinib tablets in Japan and Korea. 5.2 Mortality Rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day had a higher observed rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, compared to those treated with TNF blockers in a large, randomized, postmarketing safety study (RA Safety Study 1). The incidence rate of all-cause mortality per 100 patient-years was 0.88 for tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day, 1.23 for tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day, and 0.69 for TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )] . Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. A tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily (or a tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosage is not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. 5.3 Malignancy and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Malignancies, including lymphomas and solid cancers, were observed in clinical studies of tofacitinib [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. In RA Safety Study 1, a higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed in patients treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day or tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day as compared with TNF blockers. The incidence rate of malignancies (excluding NMSC) per 100 patient-years was 1.13 for tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day, 1.13 for tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day, and 0.77 for TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )]. Lymphomas and lung cancers, which are a subset of all malignancies in RA Safety Study 1, were observed at a higher rate in patients treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day and tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day compared to those treated with TNF blockers. The incidence rate of lymphomas per 100 patient-years was 0.07 for tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day, 0.11 for tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day, and 0.02 for TNF blockers. The incidence rate of lung cancers per 100 patient-years among current and past smokers was 0.48 for tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day, 0.59 for tofacitinib 10 mg twice a day, and 0.27 for TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )]. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than a successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop a malignancy while on treatment, and patients who are current or past smokers. A tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily (or a tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosage is not recommended for the treatment of RA or PsA [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. In Phase 2B, controlled dose-ranging trials in de-novo renal transplant patients, all of whom received induction therapy with basiliximab, high-dose corticosteroids, and mycophenolic acid products, Epstein Barr Virus-associated post-transplant lymphoprolif
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 7 includes drugs with clinically significant drug interactions when concomitantly used with tofacitinib extended-release tablets and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 7 Clinically Significant Interactions Affecting Tofacitinib extended-release tablets When Concomitantly Used with Other Drugs Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) Clinical Impact Increased exposure to tofacitinib Intervention Dosage modification of tofacitinib extended-release tablet is recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure 3 ( 12.3 )] Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Concomitantly Used with Strong CYP2C19 Inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole) Clinical Impact Increased exposure to tofacitinib Intervention Dosage modification of tofacitinib extended-release tablet is recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure 3 ( 12.3 )] Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin) Clinical Impact Decreased exposure to tofacitinib and may result in loss of or reduced clinical response Intervention Concomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablet is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology, Figure 3 ( 12.3 )] Immunosuppressive Drugs (e.g., azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine) Clinical Impact Risk of added immunosuppression; concomitant use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants has not been studied in patients with RA, PsA, AS or UC. Intervention Concomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablet is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure 3 ( 12.3 )] See FPI for clinically significant drug interactions. ( 2 , 7 )
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Mortality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Malignancy and Lymphoproliferative Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Gastrointestinal Perforations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Laboratory Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Most common adverse reactions are: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis : Reported during the first 3 months in rheumatoid arthritis placebo-controlled clinical trials and occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with tofacitinib monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs: upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. at 855-664-7744 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice. Rheumatoid Arthritis The clinical studies described in the following sections were conducted using tofacitinib. Although other doses of tofacitinib have been studied, the recommended dose of tofacitinib tablets is 5 mg twice daily. The recommended dose for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is 11 mg once daily. A dosage of tofacitinib tablets 10 mg twice daily or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily is not a recommended regimen for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. In RA Safety Study 1, 1,455 patients were treated with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, 1,456 patients were treated with 10 mg twice daily, and 1,451 patients were treated with a TNF blocker for a median of 4.0 years [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 )]. The following data includes two Phase 2 and five Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials. In these trials, patients were randomized to doses of tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (292 patients) and 10 mg twice daily (306 patients) monotherapy, tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily (1,044 patients) and 10 mg twice daily (1,043 patients) in combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate) and placebo (809 patients). All seven placebo-controlled protocols included provisions for patients taking placebo to receive treatment with tofacitinib at Month 3 or Month 6 either by patient response (based on uncontrolled disease activity) or by design, so that adverse events cannot always be unambiguously attributed to a given treatment. Therefore, some analyses that follow include patients who changed treatment by design or by patient response from placebo to tofacitinib in both the placebo and tofacitinib group of a given interval. Comparisons between placebo and tofacitinib were based on the first 3 months of exposure, and comparisons between tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily and tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily were based on the first 12 months of exposure. The long-term safety population includes all patients who participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (including earlier development phase studies) and then participated in one of two long-term safety studies. The design of the long-term safety studies allowed for modification of tofacitinib doses according to clinical judgment. This limits the interpretation of the long-term safety data with respect to dose. The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to any adverse reaction during the 0 month to 3 months exposure in the double-blind, placebo-controlled trials was 4% for patients taking tofacitinib and 3% for placebo-treated patients. Overall Infections In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 3 months exposure, the overall frequency of infections was 20% and 22% in the 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily groups, respectively, and 18% in the placebo group. The most commonly reported infections with tofacitinib were upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, and urinary tract infections (4%, 3%, and 2% of patients, respectively). Serious Infections In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 3 months exposure, serious infections were reported in 1 patient (0.5 events per 100 patient-years) who received placebo and 11 patients (1.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received tofacitinib 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between treatment groups (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 1.1 (-0.4, 2.5) events per 100 patient-years for the combined 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib group minus placebo. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 12 months exposure, serious infections were reported in 34 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received 5 mg twice daily of tofacitinib and 33 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received 10 mg twice daily of tofacitinib. The rate difference between tofacitinib doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was -0.1 (-1.3, 1.2) events per 100 patient-years for 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib minus 5 mg twice daily tofacitinib. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, cellulitis, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Tuberculosis In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 3 months exposure, tuberculosis was not reported in patients who received placebo, 5 mg twice daily of tofacitinib, or 10 mg twice daily of tofacitinib. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 12 months exposure, tuberculosis was reported in 0 patients who received 5 mg twice daily of tofacitinib and 6 patients (0.5 events per 100 patient-years) who received 10 mg twice daily of tofacitinib. The rate difference between tofacitinib doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 0.5 (0.1, 0.9) events per 100 patient-years for 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib minus 5 mg twice daily tofacitinib. Cases of disseminated tuberculosis were also reported. The median tofacitinib exposure prior to diagnosis of tuberculosis was 10 months (range from 152 days to 960 days) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Opportunistic Infections (excluding tuberculosis) In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 3 months exposure, opportunistic infections were not reported in patients who received placebo, 5 mg twice daily of tofacitinib, or 10 mg twice daily of tofacitinib. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 12 months exposure, opportunistic infections were reported in 4 patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received 5 mg twice daily of tofacitinib and 4 patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received 10 mg twice daily of tofacitinib. The rate difference between tofacitinib doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 0 (-0.5, 0.5) events per 100 patient-years for 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib minus 5 mg twice daily tofacitinib. The median tofacitinib exposure prior to diagnosis of an opportunistic infection was 8 months (range from 41 days to 698 days) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Malignancy In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the 0 month to 3 months exposure, malignancies excluding NMSC were reported in 0 patients who received placebo and 2 patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received either tofacitinib 5 mg or 10 mg twice
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of Action Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAKs are intracellular enzymes which transmit signals arising from cytokine or growth factor-receptor interactions on the cellular membrane to influence cellular processes of hematopoiesis and immune cell function. Within the signaling pathway, JAKs phosphorylate and activate Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) which modulate intracellular activity including gene expression. Tofacitinib modulates the signaling pathway at the point of JAKs, preventing the phosphorylation and activation of STATs. JAK enzymes transmit cytokine signaling through pairing of JAKs (e.g., JAK1/JAK3, JAK1/JAK2, JAK1/TyK2, JAK2/JAK2). Tofacitinib inhibited the in vitro activities of JAK1/JAK2, JAK1/JAK3, and JAK2/JAK2 combinations with IC 50 of 406 nM, 56 nM, and 1,377 nM, respectively. However, the relevance of specific JAK combinations to therapeutic effectiveness is not known.
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