CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES. 14.1 Clinical Studies in Rheumatoid Arthritis. The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical development program with XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling) included six randomized controlled trials in adults with moderate to severe active RA.Trial DesignStudy RA-I (NCT00814307) was 6-month monotherapy trial in which 610 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to DMARD (nonbiologic or biologic) received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to their background DMARD. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. The primary endpoints at Month were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response, changes in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and rates of Disease Activity Score DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6. Study RA-II (NCT00856544) was 12-month trial in which 792 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background DMARD treatment (excluding potent immunosuppressive treatments such as azathioprine or cyclosporine). At the Month visit, nonresponding patients were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. At the end of Month 6, all patients treated with placebo were switched to their second predetermined XELJANZ treatment in blinded fashion. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, changes in HAQ-DI at Month 3, and rates of DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-III (NCT00853385) was 12-month trial in 717 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). Patients received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg orally twice daily, adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously every other week, or placebo added to background MTX. Patients treated with placebo were switched as in Study RA-II. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, HAQ-DI at Month 3, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-IV (NCT00847613) was 2-year trial with planned analysis at year in which 797 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to MTX received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background MTX. Patients treated with placebo were switched as in Study RA-II. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, mean change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Month 6, HAQ-DI at Month 3, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-V (NCT00960440) was 6-month trial in which 399 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to at least one approved TNF blocking biological product received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background MTX. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ or 10 mg twice daily. The primary endpoints at Month were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response, HAQ-DI, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6.Study RA-VI (NCT01039688) was 2-year monotherapy trial with planned analysis at year in which 952 MTX-naive patients with moderate to severe active RA received XELJANZ or 10 mg twice daily or MTX dose-titrated over weeks to 20 mg weekly. The primary endpoints were mean change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Month and the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR70 response at Month 6. Although other dosages have been studied, the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for the treatment of RA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Clinical Response The percentages of XELJANZ-treated patients who achieved ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses in Studies RA-I, IV, and are shown in Table 10. Similar results were observed with Studies RA-II and III. In trials RA-I through V, patients treated with mg twice daily XELJANZ had higher ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates versus patients treated with placebo, with or without background DMARD treatment, at Month and Month 6. Higher ACR20 response rates were observed within weeks compared to placebo. In the 12-month trials, ACR response rates in XELJANZ-treated patients were consistent at and 12 months.Table 10: Proportion of Adults with Moderate to Severe Active RA with an ACR Response at Months and in Studies RA-I, IV, and VMonotherapy in Nonbiologic or Biologic DMARD Inadequate RespondersInadequate response to at least one DMARD (biologic or nonbiologic) due to lack of efficacy or toxicity. MTX Inadequate RespondersInadequate response to MTX defined as the presence of sufficient residual disease activity to meet the entry criteria. TNF Blocker Inadequate RespondersInadequate response to least one TNF blocker due to lack of efficacy and/or intolerance. Study RA-IStudy RA-IVStudy RA-VNN is number of randomized and treated patients. Placebo background DMARD 122XELJANZ5 mg Twice Daily background DMARD 243Placebo background MTX 160XELJANZ5 mg Twice Daily background MTX321Placebo background MTX 132XELJANZ5 mg Twice Daily background MTX133ACR20 Month Month 626%NaNA (not applicable), as data for placebo treatment is not available beyond months in Studies RA-I and RA-V due to placebo advancement.59%69%27%25%55%50%24%NA41%51%ACR50 Month Month 612%NA31%42%8%9%29%32%8%NA26%37%ACR70 Month Month 66%NA15%22%3%1%11%14%2%NA14%16%In Study RA-IV, greater proportion of patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily plus MTX achieved low level of disease activity as measured by DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at months compared to those treated with MTX alone (Table 11).Table 11: Proportion and Numbers of Adults with Moderate to Severe Active RA with DAS28-4(ESR) Less Than 2.6 with Number of Residual Active Joints at Month in Study RA-IVStudy RA-IVDAS28-4(ESR) Less Than 2.6Placebo MTX 160XELJANZ mg Twice Daily MTX 321Proportion of responders at Month (n)1% (2)6% (19)Of responders, proportion with active joints (n)50% (1)42% (8)Of responders, proportion with active joints (n)05% (1)Of responders, proportion with active joints (n)032% (6)Of responders, proportion with or more active joints (n)50% (1)21% (4)The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Study RA-IV are shown in Table 12. Similar results were observed for XELJANZ in Studies RA-I, II, III, V, and VI.Table 12: Components of ACR Response in Adults with Moderate to Severe Active RA at Baseline and Month in Study RA-IVStudy RA-IVPlacebo MTX N=160XELJANZ mg Twice Daily MTX N=321Component (mean)Data shown is mean (Standard Deviation) at Month 3. BaselineMonth BaselineMonth Number of tender joints (0-68)23(13)18(14)24(14)13(14)Number of swollen joints (0-66)14(9)10(9)14(8)6(8)PainVisual analog scale: = best, 100 worst. 55(24)47(24)58(23)34(23)Patient global assessment 54(23)47(24)58(24)35(23)Disability index (HAQ-DI)Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index: = best, = worst; 20 questions; categories: dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities. 1.32(0.67)1.19(0.68)1.41(0.68)0.99(0.65)Physician global assessment 56(18)43(22)59(16)30(19)CRP (mg/L)13.7(14.9)14.6(18.7)15.3(19.0)7.1 (19.1)The percent of ACR20 responders by visit for Study RA-IV is shown in Figure 4. Similar responses were observed for XELJANZ in Studies RA-I, II, III, V, and VI.Figure 4: Percentage of ACR20 Responders by Visit Through Month in Study RA-IV Non-responder imputation was used. Patients who withdrew from the study were counted as failures, as were patients who failed to have at least 20% improvement in joint counts at Month 3.Radiographic ResponseTwo studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of XELJANZ on structural joint damage. In Study RA-IV and Study RA-VI, progression of structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change from baseline in mTSS and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score, at Months and 12. The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression (mTSS change less than or equal to 0) was also assessed.In Study RA-IV, XELJANZ mg twice daily reduced the mean progression of structural damage (not statistically significant) as shown in Table 13. Analyses of erosion and joint space narrowing scores were consistent with the overall results.In the placebo plus MTX group, 74% of patients experienced no radiographic progression at Month compared to 84% of patients treated with XELJANZ plus MTX mg twice daily.In Study RA-VI, XELJANZ monotherapy inhibited the progression of structural damage compared to MTX at Months and 12 as shown in Table 13. Analyses of erosion and joint space narrowing scores were consistent with the overall results.In the MTX group, 55% of patients experienced no radiographic progression at Month compared to 73% of patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily.Table 13: Radiographic Changes in Adults with Moderate to Severe Active RA at Months and 12 in Studies RA-IV and VIStudy RA-IVPlacebo N=139 Mean (SD)SD Standard Deviation XELJANZ mg Twice Daily N=277 Mean (SD) XELJANZ mg Twice Daily Mean Difference from PlaceboDifference between least squares means XELJANZ minus placebo or MTX (95% CI 95% confidence interval) (CI)mTSSMonth and Month 12 data are mean change from baseline. Baseline Month 633 (42)0.5 (2.0)31 (48)0.1 (1.7)--0.3 (-0.7, 0.0) Study RA-VIMTXN=166Mean (SD) XELJANZ mg Twice Daily N=346 Mean (SD) XELJANZ mg Twice Daily Mean Difference from MTX (CI)mTSS Baseline Month Month 12 17 (29)0.8 (2.7)1.3 (3.7)20 (40)0.2 (2.3)0.4 (3.0)--0.7 (-1.0, -0.3)-0.9 (-1.4, -0.4)Physical Function ResponseImprovement in physical functioning was measured by the HAQ-DI. Patients who received XELJANZ mg twice daily demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in physical functioning compared to patients who received placebo at Month 3.The mean (95% CI) difference from placebo in HAQ-DI improvement from baseline at Month in Study RA-III was -0.22 (-0.35, -0.10) in patients who received mg XELJANZ twice daily. Similar results were obtained in Studies RA-I, II, IV and V. In the 12-month trials, HAQ-DI results in XELJANZ-treated patients were consistent at and 12 months. Other Health-Related OutcomesGeneral health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36). In Studies RA-I, IV, and V, patients who received XELJANZ mg twice daily demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo in physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) scores and in all domains of the SF-36 at Month 3.. Study RA-I (NCT00814307) was 6-month monotherapy trial in which 610 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to DMARD (nonbiologic or biologic) received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to their background DMARD. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. The primary endpoints at Month were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response, changes in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and rates of Disease Activity Score DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6. Study RA-II (NCT00856544) was 12-month trial in which 792 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background DMARD treatment (excluding potent immunosuppressive treatments such as azathioprine or cyclosporine). At the Month visit, nonresponding patients were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. At the end of Month 6, all patients treated with placebo were switched to their second predetermined XELJANZ treatment in blinded fashion. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, changes in HAQ-DI at Month 3, and rates of DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-III (NCT00853385) was 12-month trial in 717 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX). Patients received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg orally twice daily, adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously every other week, or placebo added to background MTX. Patients treated with placebo were switched as in Study RA-II. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, HAQ-DI at Month 3, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-IV (NCT00847613) was 2-year trial with planned analysis at year in which 797 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to MTX received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background MTX. Patients treated with placebo were switched as in Study RA-II. The primary endpoints were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Month 6, mean change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Month 6, HAQ-DI at Month 3, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6 at Month 6. Study RA-V (NCT00960440) was 6-month trial in which 399 patients with moderate to severe active RA who had an inadequate response to at least one approved TNF blocking biological product received XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily or placebo added to background MTX. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to second predetermined treatment of XELJANZ or 10 mg twice daily. The primary endpoints at Month were the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response, HAQ-DI, and DAS28-4(ESR) less than 2.6.. Study RA-VI (NCT01039688) was 2-year monotherapy trial with planned analysis at year in which 952 MTX-naive patients with moderate to severe active RA received XELJANZ or 10 mg twice daily or MTX dose-titrated over weeks to 20 mg weekly. The primary endpoints were mean change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Month and the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR70 response at Month 6. figure. 14.2 Clinical Studies in Psoriatic Arthritis. The psoriatic arthritis (PsA) clinical development program with XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling) included multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 816 adults with active PsA (Studies PsA-I and PsA-II).Trial Designs and PopulationAll patients had active PsA for at least months based upon the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR), at least tender/painful joints and at least swollen joints, and active plaque psoriasis. Patients randomized and treated across the clinical trials represented different PsA subtypes at screening, including 5 joints or asymmetric involvement (21%), >= joints involved (90%), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint involvement (61%), arthritis mutilans (8%), and spondylitis (19%). Patients in these clinical trials had diagnosis of PsA for mean (SD) of 7.7 (7.2) years. At baseline, 80% and 53% of patients had enthesitis and dactylitis, respectively. At baseline, all patients were required to receive treatment with stable dose of nonbiologic DMARD (79% received methotrexate, 13% received sulfasalazine, 7% received leflunomide, 1% received other nonbiologic DMARDs). In both clinical trials, the primary endpoints were the ACR20 response and the change from baseline in HAQ-DI at Month 3. Study PsA-I was 12-month clinical trial in 422 patients who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD (67% and 33% were inadequate responders to nonbiologic DMARD and >=2 nonbiologic DMARDs, respectively) and who were naive to treatment with TNF blocker. Although Study PsA-1 included patients who are TNF blocker-naive, XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Patients were randomized in 2:2:2:1:1 ratio to receive XELJANZ mg twice daily, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously once every weeks, placebo to XELJANZ mg twice daily treatment sequence, or placebo to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily treatment sequence, respectively; study drug was added to background nonbiologic DMARD treatment. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to predetermined XELJANZ dosage of mg or 10 mg twice daily.Study PsA-I was not designed to demonstrate non-inferiority or superiority to adalimumab.Study PsA-II was 6-month clinical trial in 394 patients who had an inadequate response to at least approved TNF blocker (66%, 19%, and 15% were inadequate responders to TNF blocker, TNF blockers and >= TNF blockers, respectively). Patients were randomized in 2:2:1:1 ratio to receive XELJANZ mg twice daily, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, placebo to XELJANZ mg twice daily treatment sequence, or placebo to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily treatment sequence, respectively; study drug was added to background nonbiologic DMARD treatment. At the Month visit, placebo patients were switched in blinded fashion to predetermined XELJANZ dosage of mg or 10 mg twice daily as in Study PsA-I.Although other dosages have been studied, the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for treatment of PsA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Clinical Response At Month 3, patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily had higher (p <= 0.05) response rates versus placebo for ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 in Study PsA-I and for ACR20 and ACR50 in Study PsA-II; ACR70 response rates were also higher for XELJANZ mg twice daily versus placebo in Study PsA-II, although the differences versus placebo were not statistically significant (p 0.05)(Tables 14 and 15).Table 14: Proportion of Adults with Active PsA with an ACR Response at Month in Study PsA-IPatients received one concomitant nonbiologic DMARD. [Nonbiologic DMARD Inadequate Responders (TNF Blocker- Naive)]XELJANZ and Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Treatment GroupPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice Daily Background Nonbiologic DMARDPatients with missing data were treated as non-responders.NN is number of randomized and treated patients. 105107Response RateResponse RateDifference (%) 95% CI from PlaceboMonth ACR20 ACR50 ACR7033%10%5%50%28%17%17.1 (4.1, 30.2)18.5 (8.3, 28.7)12.1 (3.9, 20.2)Table 15: Proportion of Adults with Active PsA with an ACR Response at Month in Study PsA-IIPatients received one concomitant nonbiologic DMARD. (TNF Blocker Inadequate Responders)Treatment GroupPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice DailyPatients with missing data were treated as non-responders.NN is number of randomized and treated patients. 131131Response RateResponse RateDifference (%)95% CI from PlaceboMonth ACR20 ACR50 ACR7024%15%10%50%30%17%26.0 (14.7, 37.2)15.3 (5.4, 25.2) 6.9 (-1.3, 15.1)Improvements from baseline in the ACR response criteria components for both studies are shown in Table 16.Table 16: Components of ACR Response in Adults with Active PsA at Baseline and Month in Studies PsA-I and PsA-IINonbiologic DMARD Inadequate Responders (TNF Blocker-Naive)TNF Blocker Inadequate RespondersStudy PsA-IPatients received one concomitant nonbiologic DMARD.,XELJANZ and Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Study PsA-II Treatment GroupPlaceboXELJANZ5 mgTwice DailyPlaceboXELJANZ5 mgTwice DailyN at Baseline105107131131ACR ComponentData shown are mean value at baseline and at Month 3. Number of tender/painful joints (0-68) Baseline Month 320.614.620.512.219.815.120.511.5Number ofswollen joints(0-66) Baseline Month 311.57.112.96.310.57.712.14.8Patientassessment of arthritis painVisual analog scale (VAS): = best, 100 worst. Baseline Month 353.244.755.734.754.948.056.436.1Patient global assessment of arthritis BaselineMonth 53.944.454.735.555.849.257.436.9HAQ-DIHAQ-DI Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index: = best, = worst; 20 questions; categories: dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities. Baseline Month 31.11 0.951.16 0.811.251.091.260.88Physicians Global Assessment of Arthritis BaselineMonth 353.8 35.454.629.553.736.453.527.0CRP (mg/L) Baseline Month 310.4 8.610.54.012.1 11.413.87.7The percentage of ACR20 responders by visit for Study PsA-I is shown in Figure 5. Similar responses were observed in Study PsA-II. In both studies, improvement in ACR20 response on XELJANZ was observed at the first visit after baseline (Week 2).Figure 5: Percentage of ACR20 Responders by Visit Through Month in Study PsA-I,BID twice daily; SE standard error.Patients with missing data were treated as non-responders. Subjects received one concomitant nonbiologic DMARD. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. In patients with active PsA evidence of benefit in enthesitis and dactylitis was observed with XELJANZ treatment.Physical FunctionImprovement in physical functioning was measured by the HAQ-DI. Patients receiving XELJANZ mg twice daily demonstrated significantly greater improvement (p <= 0.05) from baseline in physical functioning compared to placebo at Month (Table 17).Table 17: Change from Baseline in HAQ-DI in Adults with Active PsA at Month Studies PsA-I and PsA-IILeast Squares Mean Change from Baseline In HAQ-DI at Month 3Nonbiologic DMARD Inadequate RespondersInadequate response to at least one nonbiologic DMARD due to lack of efficacy and/or intolerability. (TNF Blocker-Naive)TNF Blocker Inadequate RespondersInadequate response to at least one TNF blocker due to lack of efficacy and/or intolerability. Study PsA-IPatients received one concomitant nonbiologic DMARD.,XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Study PsA-II TreatmentGroupPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice DailyPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice DailyNN is the total number of patients in the statistical analysis. 104107131129LSM Change from Baseline-0.18-0.35-0.14-0.39Differencefrom Placebo (95% CI)--0.17 (-0.29, -0.05)--0.25(-0.38, -0.13)In Study PsA-I, the HAQ-DI responder rate (response defined as having improvement from baseline of >=0.35) at Month was 53% in patients receiving XELJANZ mg twice daily and 31% in patients receiving placebo. Similar responses were observed in Study PsA-II. Other Health-Related Outcomes General health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36). In Studies PsA-I and PsA-II, patients receiving XELJANZ mg twice daily had greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo in Physical Component Summary (PCS) score, but not in Mental Component Summary (MCS) score at Month 3. Patients receiving XELJANZ mg twice daily reported consistently greater improvement relative to placebo in the domains of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain, Vitality, and Social Functioning, but not in Role-Physical, General Health, Role-Emotional, or Mental Health. Radiographic Response Treatment effect on inhibition of radiographic progression in PsA could not be established from the results of Study PsA-I.. Study PsA-I was 12-month clinical trial in 422 patients who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD (67% and 33% were inadequate responders to nonbiologic DMARD and >=2 nonbiologic DMARDs, respectively) and who were naive to treatment with TNF blocker. Although Study PsA-1 included patients who are TNF blocker-naive, XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Patients were randomized in 2:2:2:1:1 ratio to receive XELJANZ mg twice daily, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously once every weeks, placebo to XELJANZ mg twice daily treatment sequence, or placebo to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily treatment sequence, respectively; study drug was added to background nonbiologic DMARD treatment. At the Month visit, all patients randomized to placebo treatment were switched in blinded fashion to predetermined XELJANZ dosage of mg or 10 mg twice daily.Study PsA-I was not designed to demonstrate non-inferiority or superiority to adalimumab.. Study PsA-II was 6-month clinical trial in 394 patients who had an inadequate response to at least approved TNF blocker (66%, 19%, and 15% were inadequate responders to TNF blocker, TNF blockers and >= TNF blockers, respectively). Patients were randomized in 2:2:1:1 ratio to receive XELJANZ mg twice daily, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, placebo to XELJANZ mg twice daily treatment sequence, or placebo to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily treatment sequence, respectively; study drug was added to background nonbiologic DMARD treatment. At the Month visit, placebo patients were switched in blinded fashion to predetermined XELJANZ dosage of mg or 10 mg twice daily as in Study PsA-I.. figure. 14.3 Clinical Studies in Ankylosing Spondylitis. The ankylosing spondylitis (AS) clinical development program with XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling) included one placebo-controlled trial (Study AS-I) in adults with active AS. Patients had active disease as defined by both Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and back pain score (BASDAI question 2) of greater or equal to despite non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), corticosteroid or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.Trial Design Study AS-I was randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week clinical trial in 269 adult patients who had an inadequate response (inadequate clinical response or intolerance) to at least NSAIDs. Although Study AS-I included some patients who are TNF blocker-naive, XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not approved for use in TNF blocker-naive patients [see Indications and Usage (1.3)]. Patients were randomized and treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily or placebo for 16 weeks of blinded treatment and then all received treatment of XELJANZ mg twice daily for additional 32 weeks. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the proportion of patients who achieved an ASAS20 response at Week 16.Approximately 7% and 21% of patients used concomitant methotrexate or sulfasalazine, respectively from baseline to Week 16. Twenty-two percent of patients had an inadequate response to or TNF blockers.Clinical Response Patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily achieved greater improvements in ASAS20 and ASAS40 responses compared to patients treated with placebo at Week 16 (Table 18). Consistent results were observed in the subgroup of patients who had an inadequate response to TNF blockers for both the ASAS20 (primary endpoint) and ASAS40 (secondary endpoint) at Week 16 (Table 18)Table 18: ASAS20 and ASAS40 Responses in Adults with Active AS at Week 16 in Study AS-IPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice DailyDifference from Placebo (95% CI)Abbreviations: CI confidence interval; TNFi-IR tumor necrosis factor inhibitor inadequate response.All patients (N)N=136N=133ASAS20 responsetype error-controlled., %295627 (16, 38)p-value <0.0001. ASAS40 response, %134128 (18, 38) TNFi-IR patients (N)N=30N=29ASAS20 response, %174125 (2, 47)ASAS40 response, %72821 (2, 39)The improvements in the components of the ASAS response and other measures of disease activity were greater in the XELJANZ mg twice daily group compared to the placebo group as shown in Table 19. Table 19: ASAS Components and Other Measures of Disease Activity in Adults with Active AS at Week 16 in Study AS-IPlacebo (N=136)XELJANZ mg Twice Daily (N=133)Baseline (mean)Week 16 (LSM change from Baseline)Estimates are generated based on mixed model for repeated measures using both on-treatment and off-treatment data. Baseline (mean)Week 16 (LSM change from Baseline) Difference from Placebo (95% CI) LSM least squares mean.ASAS Components Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity (0-10)Measured on numerical rating scale with = not active or no pain, 10 very active or most severe pain.,type error-controlled. 7.0-1.06.9-2.5-1.5 (-2.00, -0.97)p <0.0001. Total spinal pain (0-10), 6.9-1.16.9-2.6-1.5 (-2.00, -1.03) BASFI (0-10)Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index measured on numerical rating scale with = easy and 10 impossible., 5.9-0.85.8-2.0-1.2 (-1.64, -0.79) Inflammation (0-10)Inflammation is the mean of two patient-reported stiffness self-assessments in BASDAI., 6.8-1.16.6-2.8-1.7 (-2.13, -1.18) BASDAI ScoreBASDAI total score. 6.5-1.26.4-2.6-1.4 (-1.86, -0.98) BASMIBath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index., 4.4-0.14.5-0.6-0.5 (-0.66, -0.36) hsCRPHigh sensitivity C-reactive protein., (mg/dL)1.8-0.11.6-1.1-0.9 (-1.17, -0.69) The percentage of patients with active AS who achieved ASAS20 response by visit is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6: Percentage of ASAS20 Responders Over Time Up to Week 16 in Patients with Active AS in Study AS-I SE standard error. Patients with missing data were treated as non-responders. Other Health-Related Outcomes Patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily achieved greater improvements from baseline in Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) (-4.0 vs -2.0) compared to patients treated with placebo at Week 16.. Figure 6. 14.5 Clinical Studies in Ulcerative Colitis. The efficacy of XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling) was evaluated in two 12-week induction studies (UC-I and UC-II), 52-week maintenance study (UC-III), and long-term extension study (UC-IV). Induction Trials (Study UC-I [NCT01465763] and Study UC-II [NCT01458951])In two identical induction trials (UC-I and UC-II), 1139 adult patients were randomized (598 and 541 patients, respectively) to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily or placebo with 4:1 treatment allocation ratio. These trials included adult patients with moderately to severely active UC (total Mayo score of to 12, with an endoscopy subscore of at least 2, and rectal bleeding subscore of at least 1) and who had failed or were intolerant to at least of the following treatments: oral or intravenous corticosteroids, azathioprine, 6-MP or TNF blocker. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are indicated only for use in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers [see Indications and Usage (1.5)].The disease activity was assessed by Mayo scoring index (0 to 12) which consists of four subscores (0 to for each subscore): stool frequency, rectal bleeding, findings on endoscopy, and physician global assessment. An endoscopy subscore of was defined by marked erythema, absent vascular pattern, any friability, and erosions; an endoscopy subscore of was defined by spontaneous bleeding and ulceration.Patients were permitted to use stable doses of oral aminosalicylates and corticosteroids (prednisone daily dose up to 25 mg equivalent). Concomitant immunosuppressants (oral immunomodulators or biologic therapies) were not permitted for UC patients during these studies.A total of 52%, 73% and 72% of patients had previously failed or were intolerant to TNF blockers (51% in Study UC-1 and 52% in Study UC-II), corticosteroids (75% in Study UC-I and 71% in Study UC-II), and/or immunosuppressants (74% in Study UC-I and 70% in Study UC-II), respectively.Oral corticosteroids were received as concomitant treatment for UC by 47% of patients (45% in Study UC-I and 48% in Study UC-II) and 71% received concomitant aminosalicylates as treatment for UC (71% in Study UC-I, and 72% in Study UC-II). The baseline clinical characteristics were generally similar between the XELJANZ-treated patients and placebo-treated patients.The primary endpoint of Study UC-I and Study UC-II was the proportion of patients in remission at Week 8, and the key secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients with improvement of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa at Week 8.The efficacy results of Study UC-I and Study UC-II based on the centrally read endoscopy results are shown in Table 20. Table 20: Proportion of Adult Patients with Moderately to Severely Active UC Who Met Primary and Key Secondary Efficacy Endpoints at Week in Study UC-I and Study UC-II (Central Endoscopy Read) CI Confidence interval; = number of patients in the analysis set; TNF tumor necrosis factor Study UC-I Endpoint Placebo XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily Treatment Difference versus Placebo (95% CI) Remission at Week 8Remission was defined as clinical remission (a Mayo score <= with no individual subscore 1) and rectal bleeding subscore of 0. Total Population N=122 N=476 10%p-value 0.01, 8% 18% (4.3, 16.3) With Prior TNF Blocker N=64 N=243 FailurePrior TNF blocker failure was defined in this program as inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to TNF blocker therapy. 2% 11% Without Prior TNF Blocker N=58 N=233 FailurePatients in this group had failed one or more conventional therapies (corticosteroid, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine) but did not have history of prior failure of TNF blocker therapy. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are indicated only for use in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers [see Indications and Usage (1.5)]. 16% 26% Improvement of Endoscopic Appearance of the Mucosa at Week 8Improvement of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa was defined as Mayo endoscopy subscore of (normal or inactive disease) or (erythema, decreased vascular pattern). Total Population N=122 N=476 16%p-value 0.001. 16% 31% (8.1, 23.4) With Prior TNF Blocker N=64 N=243 Failure 6% 23% Without Prior TNF Blocker N=58 N=233 Failure 26% 40% Study UC-II Endpoint Placebo XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily Treatment Difference (95% CI) Remission at Week Total Population N=112 N=429 13% 4% 17% (8.1, 17.9) With Prior TNF Blocker N=60 N=222 Failure 0% 12% Without Prior TNF Blocker N=52 N=207 Failure 8% 22% Improvement of Endoscopic Appearance of the Mucosa at Week Total Population N=112 N-429 17% 12% 28% (9.5, 24.1) With Prior TNF Blocker N=60 N=222 Failure 7% 22% Without Prior TNF Blocker N=52 N=207 Failure 17% 36% Clinical Response at Week 8Clinical response was defined as decrease from baseline in Mayo score of >=3 points and >=30%, with an accompanying decrease in the subscore for rectal bleeding of >=1 point or absolute subscore for rectal bleeding of or 1.Clinical response was observed in 60% of patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily compared to 33% of patients treated with placebo in Study UC-I and 55% compared to 29% in Study UC-II.Normalization of the Endoscopic Appearance of the Mucosa at Week 8Normalization of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore of and was observed in 7% of patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily compared to 2% of treated with placebo in both Studies UC-I and UC-II.Rectal Bleeding and Stool FrequencyDecreases in rectal bleeding and stool frequency subscores were observed as early as Week in patients treated with XELJANZ.Maintenance Trial (Study UC-III [NCT01458574]) total of 593 adult patients who completed the induction trials (UC-I or UC-II) and achieved clinical response were re-randomized with 1:1:1 treatment allocation ratio to XELJANZ mg twice daily, XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, or placebo for 52 weeks in Study UC-III. XELJANZ mg twice daily is the recommended dosage for maintenance therapy; limit use of XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily beyond induction to those with loss of response and should be used for the shortest duration [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. As in the induction trials, patients were permitted to use stable doses of oral aminosalicylates; however, corticosteroid tapering was required upon entrance into this study for patients who were receiving corticosteroids at baseline. Concomitant immunosuppressants (oral immunomodulators or biologic therapies) were not permitted.At baseline of Study UC-III:179 (30%) patients were in remission289 (49%) patients were receiving oral corticosteroids265 (45%), 445 (75%), and 413 (70%) patients had previously failed or were intolerant to TNF blocker therapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, respectively. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are indicated only for use in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers [see Indications and Usage (1.5)].In Study UC-III, the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in remission at Week 52. There were two key secondary endpoints: the proportion of patients with improvement of endoscopic appearance at Week 52, and the proportion of patients with sustained corticosteroid-free remission at both Week 24 and Week 52 among patients in remission at baseline of Study UC-III.The efficacy results of Study UC-III based on the centrally read endoscopy results are summarized in Table 21.Table 21: Proportion of Adult Patients with Moderately to Severely Active UC Who Met Primary and Key Secondary Efficacy Endpoints in Study UC-III (Central Endoscopy Read) CI Confidence interval; = number of patients in the analysis set; TNF tumor necrosis factor. Treatment Difference versus Placebo (95% CI) Endpoint Placebo XELJANZ mg Twice Daily XELJANZ 10 mgTwice Daily XELJANZ mg Twice Daily XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily Remission at Week 52Remission was defined as clinical remission (a Mayo score <= with no individual subscore 1) and rectal bleeding subscore of 0. Total Population N=198 11% N=198 34% N=197 41% 23%p-value 0.0001. (15.3, 31.2) 30% (21.4, 37.6) With Prior TNF Blocker FailurePrior TNF blocker failure was defined in this program as inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to TNF blocker therapy. N=8911% N=8324% N=9337% Without Prior TNF Blocker FailurePatients in this group had failed one or more conventional therapies (corticosteroid, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine) but did not have history of prior failure of TNF blocker therapy. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are indicated only for use in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers [see Indications and Usage (1.5)]. N=10911% N=11542% N=10444% Improvement of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa at Week 52Improvement of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa was defined as Mayo endoscopy subscore of (normal or inactive disease) or (erythema, decreased vascular pattern). Total Population N=19813% N=19837% N=19746% 24% (16.0, 32.5) 33% (24.2, 41.0) With Prior TNF Blocker Failure N=8912% N=8330% N=9340% Without Prior TNF Blocker Failure N=10914% N=11543% N=10451% Sustained corticosteroid-free remission at both Week 24 and Week 52 among patients in remission at baselineSustained corticosteroid-free remission was defined as being in remission and not taking corticosteroids for at least weeks prior to the visit at both Week 24 and Week 52. Total Population N=595% N=6535% N=5547% 30% (17.4, 43.2) 42% (27.9, 56.5) With Prior TNF Blocker Failure N=215% N=1822% N=1839% Without Prior TNF Blocker Failure N=385% N=4740% N=3751%Maintenance of Clinical ResponseMaintenance of clinical response was defined as the proportion of patients who met the definition of clinical response (defined as decrease from the induction study (UC-I, UC-II) baseline Mayo score of >=3 points and >=30%, with an accompanying decrease in the rectal bleeding subscore of >=1 point or rectal bleeding subscore of or 1) at both Baseline and Week 52 of Study UC-III.Maintenance of clinical response was observed in 20% in the placebo group, 52% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily group, and 62% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily group.Maintenance of Remission (Among Patients in Remission at Baseline)In the 179 patients who were in remission at baseline of Study UC-III (N 59 for placebo, = 65 for XELJANZ mg twice daily, = 55 for XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily), 10% in the placebo group, 46% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily group and 56% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily group maintained remission at Week 52.Normalization of the Endoscopic Appearance of the MucosaNormalization of endoscopic appearance of the mucosa was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore of and was observed at Week 52 in 15% of patients in the XELJANZ mg twice daily group and 17% of patients in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily group compared to 4% of placebo patients.Open-label Extension Study (Study UC-IV [NCT01470612])In Study UC-IV, 914 patients were treated of which 156 received XELJANZ mg twice daily and 758 received XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily.Of the 905 patients who were assigned to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily in the 8-week induction studies (Study UC-I or Study UC-II), 322 patients completed the induction studies but did not achieve clinical response. Of these 322 patients, 291 continued to receive XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (unblinded) and had available data after an additional weeks in Study UC-IV. After additional weeks (a total of 16 weeks treatment), 148 patients achieved clinical response, and 25 patients achieved remission (based on central endoscopy read). Among those 143 patients who achieved clinical response by 16 weeks and had available data at Week 52, 66 patients achieved remission (based on local endoscopy read) after continued treatment with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily for 52 weeks.. 179 (30%) patients were in remission. 289 (49%) patients were receiving oral corticosteroids. 265 (45%), 445 (75%), and 413 (70%) patients had previously failed or were intolerant to TNF blocker therapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, respectively. XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets are indicated only for use in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to one or more TNF blockers [see Indications and Usage (1.5)].. 14.6 Safety Study in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (XELJANZ Versus TNF-blocker). randomized open-label trial (RA Safety Study 1; NCT02092467) was conducted to evaluate safety with XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling) at two doses, mg twice daily (N=1455) and 10 mg twice daily (N=1456), versus the TNF-blocker control (N=1451) in RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The co-primary endpoints were adjudicated MACE (defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, and non-fatal stroke) and adjudicated malignancy (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). The study was designed to exclude prespecified risk margin of 1.8 for the hazard ratio of combined XELJANZ regimens versus the TNF-blocker control for each co-primary endpoint. An independent committee conducted blinded evaluation of the co-primary endpoints according to predefined criteria (adjudication). The study was event-driven and patients were followed until sufficient number of primary outcome events accrued. Other endpoints included mortality, serious infections, and thromboembolic events. The median on-study follow-up time was years.The mean age of the population was 61 years (range: 50 to 88 years). Most patients were female (78%) and Caucasian (77%). Patients had diagnosis of RA for mean of 10 years, and median swollen and tender joint count of 11 and 15 respectively. Cardiovascular risk factors included cigarette smoking (current or past) (48%), hypertension (66%), high density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL (12%), diabetes mellitus (17%), family history of premature coronary heart disease (15%), extra-articular disease associated with RA (37%), and history of coronary artery disease (11%).The non-inferiority criterion was not met for the primary comparison of the combined XELJANZ dosages to TNF blockers since the upper limit of the 95% CI exceeded the pre-specified non-inferiority criterion of 1.8 (for MACE, the upper limit of the 95% CI was 1.94; for malignancies excluding NMSC, the upper limit of the 95% CI was 2.09). Table 22 shows the study results for each of the co-primary endpoints, and other endpoints. There was an increased risk of death, MACE, malignancies, serious infections, thromboembolic events, and fractures associated with both dosages of XELJANZ.Table 22: Results of RA Safety Study in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis 50 years of Age and Older with at Least One Cardiovascular Risk FactorEndpointTNF Blocker N=1451 PY=5526XELJANZ mg Twice Daily N=1455 PY=5551XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily N=1456 PY=5371Note: XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily was discontinued by the Data Monitoring Committee due to safety concerns, and ongoing patients switched from XELJANZ 10 mg to XELJANZ mg. The column XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily includes all events and follow-up for patients randomized to XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. XELJANZ (refers to tablets and oral solution) 10 mg twice daily (or Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosage is not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. indicates number of patients; indicates number of patients with events.IR indicates incidence rate per 100 person-year (PY).MACE, [IR] HR (95% CI)HR (95%) CI for XELJANZ vs. TNF Blocker (Univariate Cox Proportional Hazard Model).NMSC: Non-melanoma Skin Cancer; MACE: Major Adverse Cardiac Events; HR: Hazard Ratio; DVT: Deep Vein Thrombosis; PE: Pulmonary Embolism; VTE: Venous Thromboembolism, first occurrence of VTE, defined as the composite of adjudicated DVT and adjudicated PE; ATE: Arterial Thromboembolism; TE: Thromboembolism, first occurrence of TE, defined as the composite of adjudicated VTE and unadjudicated ATE. 43 [0.79]50 [0.91]1.16 (0.77, 1.74)59 [1.11]1.41 (0.95, 2.10) MI,MI and Stroke include fatal and non-fatal events. [IR] HR (95% CI) 11 [0.20]20 [0.36]1.81 (0.87, 3.79)21 [0.39]1.97 (0.95, 4.09) Stroke, [IR] HR (95% CI) 20 [0.36]18 [0.33]0.89 (0.47, 1.69)21 [0.39]1.08 (0.59, 2.00) Cardiovascular Death, [IR] HR (95% CI) 15 [0.27]18 [0.32]1.20 (0.60, 2.37)25 [0.47]1.71 (0.90, 3.24)Malignancies Excl. NMSC, [IR] HR (95% CI) 42 [0.77]62 [1.13]1.47 (1.00, 2.18)60 [1.13]1.48 (1.00, 2.19) Malignancies Excl. NMSC (among current and past smokers)Data and analyses for Malignancies excluding NMSC for current and ex-smokers are included. There were 720 current and ex-smokers randomized to XELJANZ mg, 704 to XELJANZ 10 mg, and 679 to TNF blockers. HR (95% CI) 25 [0.99]41 [1.53]1.55 (0.94, 2.55)48 [1.91]1.94 (1.19, 3.14)All Death HR (95% CI) 38 [0.69] 49 [0.88]1.29 (0.84, 1.96)66 [1.23]1.79 (1.20, 2.66)Serious Infections HR (95% CI) 133 [2.52] 155 [2.95]1.17 (0.93, 1.47)184 [3.65]1.44 (1.15, 1.80)DVT HR (95% CI) [0.16] 12 [0.22]1.33 (0.56, 3.15)15 [0.28]1.72 (0.75, 3.92)PE HR (95% CI) [0.05] 10 [0.18]3.32 (0.91, 12.08)26 [0.49]8.95 (2.71, 29.56)VTE HR (95% CI) 12 [0.22] 18 [0.33]1.50 (0.72, 3.10)36 [0.68]3.10 (1.61, 5.96)ATE HR (95% CI) 45 [0.83] 51 [0.93]1.13 (0.76, 1.69)55 [1.04]1.26 (0.85, 1.87)TE HR (95% CI) 56 [1.03] 67 [1.23]1.19 (0.84, 1.70)86 [1.65]1.60 (1.14, 2.23)All Fractures HR (95% CI) 121 [2.32]138 [2.64]1.14 (0.90, 1.46)141 [2.80]1.21 (0.95, 1.54)Osteoporotic Fractures HR (95% CI) 49 [0.91]58 [1.07]1.18 (0.81, 1.73)70 [1.34]1.48 (1.03, 2.13)Lymphomas and lung cancers, which are subset of all malignancies in RA Safety Study 1, were observed at higher rate in patients treated with XELJANZ mg twice day and XELJANZ 10 mg twice day compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Lymphoma was reported for patients who received XELJANZ mg twice day, patients who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice day, and patient who received TNF blockers (Incidence Rate [IR] of 0.07, 0.11, and 0.02 per 100 patient-years, respectively). Among current and past smokers, lung cancer was reported for 13 patients who received XELJANZ mg twice day, 15 patients who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice day, and patients who received TNF blockers (IR of 0.48, 0.59, and 0.27 per 100 patient-years, respectively). Given these increased risks, XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution) 10 mg twice daily (or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. The overall fractures and osteoporotic fractures were observed at higher rate in both XELJANZ treatment groups compared to the TNF blocker treatment group. The observed incidence rate of osteoporotic fractures was higher in women than men, and was highest in women on XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (1.56 per 100 patient-years), followed by XELJANZ mg twice daily (1.26 per 100 patient-years), and TNF blockers (1.01 per 100 patient-years).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Increased Risk of 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 Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Laboratory Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Increased Risk of 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 Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Laboratory Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Most common adverse reactions are: RA, PsA, and AS: Reported in >= 2% of adult patients treated with XELJANZ tablets monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs: upper respiratory tract infection (URI), nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and headache. (6.1) UC: Reported in >= 5% of adult patients treated with either XELJANZ tablets and >=1% greater than reported in patients treated with placebo: nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol levels, headache, URI, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, rash, diarrhea, and herpes zoster. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at (1-855-724-3436) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.. RA, PsA, and AS: Reported in >= 2% of adult patients treated with XELJANZ tablets monotherapy or in combination with DMARDs: upper respiratory tract infection (URI), nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and headache. (6.1) UC: Reported in >= 5% of adult patients treated with either XELJANZ tablets and >=1% greater than reported in patients treated with placebo: nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol levels, headache, URI, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, rash, diarrhea, and herpes zoster. (6.1) 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience. Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in broader patient population in clinical practice.The clinical studies described in this subsection were conducted using XELJANZ tablets (referred to as XELJANZ in this subsection of labeling).Adverse Reactions in Adults with Rheumatoid ArthritisIn RA Safety Study 1, 1,455 adults were treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily, 1,456 adults were treated with 10 mg twice daily, and 1,451 adults were treated with TNF blocker for median of years [see Clinical Studies (14.6)]. dosage of XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for the treatment of RA because of increased risks [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5)]. For the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active RA [see Indications and Usage (1.1)], the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily and the recommended dosage for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is 11 mg once daily.The safety of XELJANZ was also evaluated in two Phase and five Phase double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials in patients with RA. In these trials, adults were randomized to receive: XELJANZ (monotherapy) mg twice daily (292 patients) or 10 mg twice daily (306 patients), In combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate), XELJANZ mg twice daily (1,044 patients) or 10 mg twice daily (1,043 patients and Placebo (809 patients).All seven trials included provisions for patients taking placebo to receive treatment with XELJANZ at Month or Month either by patient response (based on uncontrolled disease activity) or by design, so that adverse events cannot always be unambiguously attributed to given treatment. Therefore, some analyses that follow include patients who changed treatment by design or by patient response from placebo to XELJANZ in both the placebo and XELJANZ group of given interval. Comparisons between placebo and XELJANZ groups were based on the first months of exposure, and comparisons between XELJANZ mg twice daily and XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily were based on the first 12 months of exposure.The long-term safety population includes all adults with RA who participated in 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 XELJANZ 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 to months exposure in the double-blind, placebo-controlled trials was 4% for XELJANZ-treated patients and 3% for placebo-treated patients. Overall InfectionsIn the seven placebo-controlled trials in patients with RA, during the to months exposure, the overall frequency of infections was 20% and 22% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily and XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily groups, respectively, and 18% in the placebo group. The most commonly reported infections with XELJANZ 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 in patients with RA, during the to months exposure, serious infections were reported in patient (0.5 events per 100 patient-years) who received placebo and 11 patients (1.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ 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 XELJANZ mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily group minus placebo. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the to 12 months exposure, serious infections were reported in 34 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ mg twice daily and 33 patients (2.7 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between XELJANZ doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was -0.1 (-1.3, 1.2) events per 100 patient-years for XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily minus XELJANZ mg twice daily. 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 in patients with RA, during the to months exposure, tuberculosis (TB) was not reported in patients who received placebo, XELJANZ mg twice daily, or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the to 12 months exposure, TB was reported in patients who received XELJANZ mg twice daily and patients (0.5 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between XELJANZ doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 0.5 (0.1, 0.9) events per 100 patient-years for XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily minus XELJANZ mg twice daily. Cases of disseminated TB were also reported. The median XELJANZ exposure prior to diagnosis of TB was 10 months (range from 152 to 960 days) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Opportunistic Infections (excluding tuberculosis): In the seven placebo-controlled trials in patients with RA, during the to months exposure, opportunistic infections were not reported in patients who received placebo, XELJANZ mg twice daily, or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the to 12 months exposure, opportunistic infections were reported in patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ mg twice daily and patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between XELJANZ doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was (-0.5, 0.5) events per 100 patient-years for XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily minus XELJANZ mg twice daily. The median XELJANZ exposure prior to diagnosis of an opportunistic infection was months (range from 41 to 698 days) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. MalignanciesIn the seven placebo-controlled trials in patients with RA, during the to months exposure, malignancies excluding NMSC were reported in patients who received placebo and patients (0.3 events per 100 patient-years) who received either XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between treatment groups (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 0.3 (-0.1, 0.7) events per 100 patient-years for the combined XELJANZ mg and 10 mg twice daily group minus placebo. In the seven placebo-controlled trials, during the to 12 months exposure, malignancies excluding NMSC were reported in patients (0.4 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ mg twice daily and patients (0.6 events per 100 patient-years) who received XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The rate difference between XELJANZ doses (and the corresponding 95% confidence interval) was 0.2 (-0.4, 0.7) events per 100 patient-years for XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily minus XELJANZ mg twice daily. One of these malignancies was case of lymphoma that occurred during the 0-to-12-month period in patient treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. The most common types of malignancy, including malignancies observed during the long-term extension in XELJANZ-treated patients, were lung and breast cancer, followed by gastric, colorectal, renal cell, prostate cancer, lymphoma, and malignant melanoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Laboratory AbnormalitiesLymphopenia: In the placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with RA, confirmed decreases in absolute lymphocyte counts below 500 cells/mm3 occurred in 0.04% of patients for the XELJANZ mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily groups combined during the first months of exposure.Confirmed lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells/mm3 were associated with an increased incidence of treated and serious infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Neutropenia: In the placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with RA, confirmed decreases in ANC below 1,000 cells/mm3 occurred in 0.07% of patients for the XELJANZ mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily groups combined during the first months of exposure.There were no confirmed decreases in ANC below 500 cells/mm3 observed in any treatment group. There was no clear relationship between neutropenia and the occurrence of serious infections. In the long-term safety population, the pattern and incidence of confirmed decreases in ANC remained consistent with what was seen in the placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Liver Enzyme Elevations: Confirmed increases in liver enzymes greater than times the upper limit of normal (3x ULN) were observed in patients with RA treated with XELJANZ. In patients experiencing liver enzyme elevation, modification of treatment regimen, such as reduction in the dose of concomitant DMARD, interruption of XELJANZ, or reduction in XELJANZ dosage, resulted in decrease or normalization of liver enzymes. In the placebo-controlled monotherapy trials (0 to months), no differences in the incidence of ALT or AST elevations were observed between the placebo, and XELJANZ mg, and 10 mg twice daily groups. In the placebo-controlled background DMARD trials (0 to months), ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 1.0%, 1.3% and 1.2% of patients who received placebo, XELJANZ mg, and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. In these trials, AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 0.6%, 0.5% and 0.4% of patients who received placebo, XELJANZ mg, and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. One case of drug-induced liver injury was reported in patient treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily for approximately 2.5 months. The patient developed symptomatic elevations of AST and ALT greater than 3x ULN and bilirubin elevations greater than 2x ULN, which required hospitalizations and liver biopsy. Lipid Elevations: In the placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with RA, dose-related elevations in lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) were observed at one month of exposure and remained stable thereafter. Changes in lipid parameters during the first months of exposure in the placebo-controlled clinical trials are summarized below:Mean LDL cholesterol increased by 15% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily arm and 19% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily arm. Mean HDL cholesterol increased by 10% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily arm and 12% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily arm. Mean LDL/HDL ratios were essentially unchanged in XELJANZ-treated patients.In placebo-controlled clinical trial, elevations in LDL cholesterol and ApoB decreased to pretreatment levels in response to statin therapy. In the long-term safety population, elevations in lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the placebo-controlled clinical trials. Serum Creatinine Elevations: In the placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with RA, dose-related elevations in serum creatinine were observed with XELJANZ treatment. The mean increase in serum creatinine was 0.1 mg/dL in the 12-month pooled safety analysis; however, with increasing duration of exposure in the long-term extensions, up to 2% of patients were discontinued from XELJANZ treatment due to the protocol-specified discontinuation criterion of an increase in creatinine by more than 50% of baseline. The clinical significance of the observed serum creatinine elevations is unknown.Common Adverse Reactions Table displays adverse reactions that occurred in 2% or more of patients on XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily and at least 1% greater than in XELJANZ-treated patients that observed in placebo-treated patients with or without DMARD in the RA trials.Table 5: Common Adverse Reactionsreported in >=2% of patients treated with either dose of XELJANZ and >=1% greater than that reported for placebo. in Clinical Trials of XELJANZ for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults With or Without Concomitant DMARDs (0 to Months)Preferred TermPlaceboXELJANZ mg Twice DailyXELJANZ 10 mg Twice DailyThe recommended dose of XELJANZ for the treatment of RA is mg twice daily [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. = 809 (%)N 1336 (%)N 1349 (%)N reflects randomized and treated patients from the seven placebo-controlled clinical trials.Upper respiratory tract infection 4 Nasopharyngitis 4 Diarrhea 4 Headache 4 Hypertension 2 Other adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies in patients with RA included:Blood and lymphatic system disorders: AnemiaInfections and infestations: Diverticulitis Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Dehydration Psychiatric disorders: Insomnia Nervous system disorders: Paresthesia Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Dyspnea, cough, sinus congestion, interstitial lung disease (cases were limited to patients with RA and some were fatal)Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, gastritis, nausea Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatic steatosis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, erythema, pruritus Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders: Musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia, tendonitis, joint swelling Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): Non-melanoma skin cancers General disorders and administration site conditions: Pyrexia, fatigue, peripheral edemaClinical Experience in Methotrexate-Naive PatientsStudy RA-VI was an active-controlled clinical trial in methotrexate-naive patients [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. The safety experience in these patients was consistent with Studies RA-I through V. Adverse Reactions in Adults with Psoriatic ArthritisThe safety of XELJANZ was evaluated in double-blind Phase clinical trials in adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA):Study PsA-I (NCT01877668) had duration of 12 months and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD and who were naive to treatment with TNF blocker. Study PsA-I included 3-month placebo-controlled period and also included adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously once every weeks for 12 months. Study PsA-II (NCT01882439) had duration of months and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least one approved TNF blocker. This clinical trial included 3-month placebo-controlled period. In these combined Phase clinical trials, 238 patients were randomized and treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily and 236 patients were randomized and treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. dosage of XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for the treatment of PsA. For the treatment of adults with active PsA [see Indications and Usage (1.2)], the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily and the recommended dosage for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is 11 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. All patients in the clinical trials in patients with PsA were required to receive treatment with stable dose of nonbiologic DMARD [the majority (79%) received methotrexate]. The study population randomized and treated with XELJANZ (474 patients) included 45 (10%) patients aged 65 years or older and 66 (14%) patients with diabetes at baseline.During the PsA controlled clinical trials, there were: malignancies (excluding NMSC) in 474 patients who received XELJANZ plus non-biologic DMARD (6 to 12 months exposure) malignancies in 236 patients who received placebo plus non-biologic DMARD group (3 months exposure) and malignancies in 106 patients in patients who received adalimumab plus non-biologic DMARD group (12 months exposure).No lymphomas were reported. Malignancies have also been observed in the long-term extension study in patients with PsA treated with XELJANZ.The safety profile observed in adults with active PsA treated with XELJANZ was consistent with the safety profile observed in adults with RA.Adverse Reactions in Adults with Ankylosing SpondylitisThe safety of XELJANZ was evaluated in adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in double-blind placebo-controlled Phase clinical trial (Study AS-I) and in dose-ranging Phase clinical trial (Study AS-II).Study AS-I (NCT03502616) had duration of 48 weeks and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least NSAIDs. Study AS-I included 16-week double-blind period in which patients received XELJANZ mg or placebo twice daily and 32-week open-label treatment period in which all patients received XELJANZ mg twice daily. Study AS-II (NCT01786668) had duration of 16 weeks and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least NSAIDs. This clinical trial included 12-week treatment period in which patients received either XELJANZ mg (40% of the recommended dose), mg, 10 mg, or placebo twice daily. dosage of XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for the treatment of AS. For the treatment of adults with active AS [see Indications and Usage (1.3)], the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily and the recommended dosage for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is 11 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In the combined Phase and Phase clinical trials, total of 420 patients were treated with either XELJANZ mg, mg, or 10 mg twice daily. Of these, 316 patients were treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily for up to 48 weeks. In the combined double-blind period, 185 patients were randomized to and treated with XELJANZ mg twice daily and 187 to placebo for up to 16 weeks. Concomitant treatment with stable doses of nonbiologic DMARDs, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids (<= 10 mg/day) was permitted. The study population randomized and treated with XELJANZ included 13 (3%) patients aged 65 years or older and 18 (4%) patients with diabetes at baseline. The safety profile observed in adults with AS treated with XELJANZ was consistent with the safety profile observed in adults with RA and PsA.Adverse Reactions in Adults with Ulcerative ColitisThe safety of XELJANZ has been evaluated in adults with moderately to severely active UC in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (UC-I, UC-II, UC-III, and dose-ranging UC-V) and an open-label long-term extension study (UC-IV) [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].Adverse reactions reported in >= 5% of patients treated with either XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily and >= 1% greater than reported in patients receiving placebo in either the induction or maintenance clinical trials of patients with UC were: nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, rash, diarrhea, and herpes zoster.Induction Trials in Adults with UC Common adverse reactions reported in >= 2% of patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily and >= 1% greater in XELJANZ-treated patients than placebo-treated patients in the induction trials of patients with UC (Studies UC-I, UC-II, and UC-V) were: headache, nasopharyngitis, elevated cholesterol levels, acne, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, and pyrexia.Maintenance Trial in Adults with UC Common adverse reactions reported in >= 4% of patients treated with either dosage of XELJANZ and >= 1% greater than reported in patients treated with placebo in the maintenance trial of patients with UC (Study UC-III) are shown in Table 6.Table 6: Common Adverse ReactionsReported in >=4% of patients treated with either XELJANZ dosage and >=1% greater in XELJANZ-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. in Adults with UC During the 52-Week Maintenance Trial (Study UC-III) Preferred Term Placebo XELJANZ mg Twice Daily XELJANZ 10 mg Twice Daily = 198 (%) = 198 (%) = 196 (%) Nasopharyngitis 10 14 Elevated cholesterol levelsIncludes hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, blood cholesterol increased, dyslipidemia, blood triglycerides increased, low-density lipoprotein increased, low-density lipoprotein abnormal, or lipids increased. 5 Headache 9 Upper respiratory tract infection 7 Increased blood creatine phosphokinase 3 Rash 3 Diarrhea 2 Herpes zoster 1 Gastroenteritis 3 Anemia 4 Nausea 1 Dose-dependent adverse reactions seen in patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, in comparison to mg twice daily, include the following: herpes zoster infections, serious infections, and NMSC [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)]. During the UC controlled clinical studies (8-week induction and 52-week maintenance studies), which included 1,220 patients, cases of solid cancer or lymphoma were observed in XELJANZ-treated patients.In the long-term extension study, malignancies (including solid cancers, lymphomas and NMSC) were observed in patients treated with XELJANZ mg and 10 mg twice daily [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Five cases of pulmonary embolism were reported in patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, including one fatality in patient with advanced cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. XELJANZ (monotherapy) mg twice daily (292 patients) or 10 mg twice daily (306 patients), In combination with DMARDs (including methotrexate), XELJANZ mg twice daily (1,044 patients) or 10 mg twice daily (1,043 patients and Placebo (809 patients).. Mean LDL cholesterol increased by 15% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily arm and 19% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily arm. Mean HDL cholesterol increased by 10% in the XELJANZ mg twice daily arm and 12% in the XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily arm. Mean LDL/HDL ratios were essentially unchanged in XELJANZ-treated patients.. Study PsA-I (NCT01877668) had duration of 12 months and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to nonbiologic DMARD and who were naive to treatment with TNF blocker. Study PsA-I included 3-month placebo-controlled period and also included adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously once every weeks for 12 months. Study PsA-II (NCT01882439) had duration of months and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least one approved TNF blocker. This clinical trial included 3-month placebo-controlled period. 3 malignancies (excluding NMSC) in 474 patients who received XELJANZ plus non-biologic DMARD (6 to 12 months exposure) 0 malignancies in 236 patients who received placebo plus non-biologic DMARD group (3 months exposure) and. malignancies in 106 patients in patients who received adalimumab plus non-biologic DMARD group (12 months exposure).. Study AS-I (NCT03502616) had duration of 48 weeks and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least NSAIDs. Study AS-I included 16-week double-blind period in which patients received XELJANZ mg or placebo twice daily and 32-week open-label treatment period in which all patients received XELJANZ mg twice daily. Study AS-II (NCT01786668) had duration of 16 weeks and enrolled adults who had an inadequate response to at least NSAIDs. This clinical trial included 12-week treatment period in which patients received either XELJANZ mg (40% of the recommended dose), mg, 10 mg, or placebo twice daily. dosage of XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily is not recommended for the treatment of AS. For the treatment of adults with active AS [see Indications and Usage (1.3)], the recommended dosage of XELJANZ is mg twice daily and the recommended dosage for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is 11 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure.Immune system disorders: Drug hypersensitivity (events such as angioedema and urticaria havebeen observed)Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hypoglycemia Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Acne.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
BOXED WARNING SECTION.
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 bacterial, fungal, viral, and opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis (TB), that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Reported infections included: Active TB, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent TB 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 tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment 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 tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. If serious infection develops, interrupt tofacitinib extended-release tablets until the infection is controlled [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].MORTALITY In large, randomized, postmarketing safety study in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular (CV) risk factor comparing XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, higher rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden CV death, was observed with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily and tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. MALIGNANCIES Malignancies, including lymphomas and solid tumors, have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ and other Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. In RA patients, higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed in patients treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day compared with TNF blockers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].Lymphomas and lung cancers were observed at higher rate in patients treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day in RA patients compared to those treated with TNF blockers. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS RA patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice daily, had 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 extended-release tablets in patients that have experienced myocardial infarction or stroke [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].THROMBOSISThrombosis, including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ 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 XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice daily compared to TNF blockers had an observed increase in incidence of these events. Avoid tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients at risk. Discontinue tofacitinib extended-release tablets and promptly evaluate patients with symptoms of thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].. Active TB, which may present with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent TB 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.. WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS, MORTALITY, MALIGNANCY, MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS, and THROMBOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.Increased risk of serious bacterial, fungal, viral, and opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis (TB), leading to hospitalization or death. Interrupt tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment 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 (CV) death with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. (5.2)Malignancies have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ. Higher rate of lymphomas and lung cancers with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.3)Higher rate of major adverse CV events (defined as CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.4)Thrombosis has occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ. Increased incidence of pulmonary embolism, venous and arterial thrombosis with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.5). Increased risk of serious bacterial, fungal, viral, and opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis (TB), leading to hospitalization or death. Interrupt tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment 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 (CV) death with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. (5.2). Malignancies have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ. Higher rate of lymphomas and lung cancers with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.3). Higher rate of major adverse CV events (defined as CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.4). Thrombosis has occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ. Increased incidence of pulmonary embolism, venous and arterial thrombosis with XELJANZ vs. TNF blockers in RA patients. (5.5).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. In 39-week toxicology study in monkeys, tofacitinib at exposure levels approximately times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg twice daily) produced lymphomas. No lymphomas were observed in this study at exposure levels times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 0.5 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg twice daily). The carcinogenic potential of tofacitinib was assessed in 6-month rasH2 transgenic mouse carcinogenicity and 2-year rat carcinogenicity studies. Tofacitinib, at exposure levels approximately 34 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 17 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day) was not carcinogenic in mice. In the 24-month oral carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, tofacitinib caused benign Leydig cell tumors, hibernomas (malignancy of brown adipose tissue), and benign thymomas at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 42 times the exposure levels at the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 21 times the 10 mg twice daily dose on an AUC basis). The relevance of benign Leydig cell tumors to human risk is not known.Tofacitinib was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay. It was positive for clastogenicity in the in vitro chromosome aberration assay with human lymphocytes in the presence of metabolic enzymes, but negative in the absence of metabolic enzymes. Tofacitinib was negative in the in vivo rat micronucleus assay and in the in vitro CHO-HGPRT assay and the in vivo rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis assay. In rats, tofacitinib at exposure levels approximately 17 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 8.3 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day) reduced female fertility due to increased post-implantation loss. There was no impairment of female rat fertility at exposure levels of tofacitinib equal to the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 0.5 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg/day). Tofacitinib exposure levels at approximately 133 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 67 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 100 mg/kg/day) had no effect on male fertility, sperm motility, or sperm concentration.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Tofacitinib is 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 IC50 of 406, 56, and 1377 nM, respectively. However, the relevance of specific JAK combinations to therapeutic effectiveness is not known.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with dose-dependent reductions of circulating CD16/56+ natural killer cells, with estimated maximum reductions occurring at approximately 8-10 weeks after initiation of therapy. These changes generally resolved within to weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with dose-dependent increases in cell counts. Changes in circulating T-lymphocyte counts and T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+) were small and inconsistent. The clinical significance of these changes is unknown. Total serum IgG, IgM, and IgA levels after 6-month dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were lower than in patients who received placebo; however, changes were small and not dose-dependent.After treatment with XELJANZ in patients with RA, rapid decreases in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed and maintained throughout dosing. Changes in CRP observed with XELJANZ treatment do not reverse fully within weeks after discontinuation, indicating longer duration of pharmacodynamic activity compared to the pharmacokinetic half-life. Similar changes in cells, cells, and serum CRP have been observed in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) although reversibility was not assessed. Total serum immunoglobulins were not assessed in patients with active PsA.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Following oral administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets, peak plasma concentrations were reached at hours and half-life was about to hours. Steady state concentrations were achieved within 48 hours with negligible accumulation after once daily administration.Table describes the pharmacokinetic parameters of tofacitinib extended-release tablets.Table Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets Following Multiple Oral DosingPK ParametersValues represent the geometric mean, except Tmax, for which is the median (range) is shown. (CV%)Tofacitinib extended-release tabletsDosing Regimen11 mg Once Daily22 mg Once DailyAbbreviations: AUC24 area under the concentration time profile from time to 24 hours; Cmax maximum plasma concentration; Cmin minimum plasma concentration; Tmax time to Cmax; CV Coefficient of variation.AUC24 (ng.hr/mL)269.0 (18)596.6 (19)Cmax (ng/mL)38.2 (15)83.8 (25)Cmin (ng/mL)1.07 (69)3.11 (43)Tmax (hours)4.0 (3.0 to 4.0)4.0 (2.0 to 4.0)AbsorptionXELJANZThe absolute oral bioavailability of XELJANZ is 74%. Coadministration of XELJANZ with high-fat meal resulted in no changes in AUC while Cmax was reduced by 32%. In clinical trials, XELJANZ was administered without regard to meals [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Tofacitinib Extended-Release TabletsCoadministration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 and 22 mg with high-fat meal resulted in no changes in AUC while Cmax was increased by 27% and 19% respectively. Tmax was extended by approximately hour for both tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 and 22 mg.Distribution After intravenous administration, the volume of distribution was 87 L. The protein binding of tofacitinib is approximately 40%. Tofacitinib binds predominantly to albumin and does not appear to bind to 1-acid glycoprotein. Tofacitinib distributes equally between red blood cells and plasma.Metabolism and ExcretionClearance mechanisms for tofacitinib are approximately 70% hepatic metabolism and 30% renal excretion of the parent drug. The metabolism of tofacitinib is primarily mediated by CYP3A4 with minor contribution from CYP2C19. In human radiolabeled study, more than 65% of the total circulating radioactivity was accounted for by unchanged tofacitinib, with the remaining 35% attributed to metabolites, each accounting for less than 8% of total radioactivity. The pharmacologic activity of tofacitinib is attributed to the parent molecule.Pharmacokinetics in Patients with RA, PsA, AS, and UCPopulation pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses indicated that PK characteristics were similar between patients with RA, PsA, ankylosing spondylitis, and UC. The coefficient of variation (%) in AUC of tofacitinib were generally similar across different disease patients, ranging from 22% to 34% (Table 9).Table 9: Tofacitinib Exposure in Patients with RA, PsA, AS, and UC After Administration of XELJANZ mg Twice Daily or 10 mg Twice DailyPharmacokinetic ParametersPharmacokinetic parameters estimated based on population pharmacokinetic analysis. Geometric Mean (CV%)XELJANZ mg Twice DailyXELJANZ 10 mg Twice DailyRheumatoid ArthritisPsoriatic ArthritisAnkylosing SpondylitisUlcerativeColitisUlcerative ColitisAbbreviations: AUC0-24,ss area under the plasma concentration-time curve over 24 hours at steady state;CV coefficient of variation.AUC0-24,ss (ng.h/mL) 504 (22.0%)419 (34.1%)381 (25.4%)423 (22.6%)807 (24.6%)Specific Populations Covariate evaluation as part of population PK analyses in adult patient populations indicated no clinically relevant change in tofacitinib exposure, after accounting for differences in renal function (i.e., creatinine clearance) between patients, based on age, weight, biological sex and race (Figure 1). An approximately linear relationship between body weight and volume of distribution was observed, resulting in higher peak (Cmax) and lower trough (Cmin) concentrations in lighter patients. However, this difference is not considered to be clinically relevant.The effect of renal and hepatic impairment and other intrinsic factors on the PK of tofacitinib is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1: Impact of Intrinsic Factors on Tofacitinib PharmacokineticsNote: Reference values for weight, age, biological sex, and race comparisons are 70 kg, 55 years, male, and white, respectively; reference groups for renal and hepatic impairment data are patients with normal renal and hepatic function. Renal function was estimated using creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault method and hepatic function was estimated using Child-Pugh scoring method.In patients with end-stage renal disease maintained on hemodialysis, mean AUC was approximately 40% higher compared with historical healthy subject data, consistent with approximately 30% contribution of renal clearance to the total clearance of tofacitinib [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Drug Interaction Studies Potential for Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets to Influence the PK of Other Drugs In vitro studies indicate that tofacitinib does not significantly inhibit or induce the activity of the major human drug-metabolizing CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) at concentrations corresponding to the steady state Cmax of 10 mg twice daily dose. These in vitro results were confirmed by human drug interaction study showing no changes in the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, highly sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, when concomitantly administered with XELJANZ. In vitro studies indicate that tofacitinib does not significantly inhibit the activity of the major human drug-metabolizing uridine 5-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) [UGT1A1, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7] at concentrations exceeding 250 times the steady state Cmax of 10 mg twice daily dose. In patients with RA, the oral clearance of tofacitinib does not vary with time, indicating that tofacitinib does not normalize CYP enzyme activity in patients with RA. Therefore, concomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not expected to result in clinically relevant increases in the metabolism of CYP substrates in patients with RA. In vitro data indicate that the potential for tofacitinib to inhibit transporters such as P-glycoprotein, organic anionic or cationic transporters at therapeutic concentrations is low.The impact of tofacitinib on the PK of other drugs for the concomitant drugs are shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Impact of Tofacitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs Note: Reference group is administration of concomitant medication alone; OCT Organic Cationic Transporter; MATE Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion Potential for Other Drugs to Influence the Pharmacokinetics of Tofacitinib Since tofacitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4, interaction with drugs that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 is likely. Inhibitors of CYP2C19 alone or P-glycoprotein are unlikely to substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib (see Figure 3). Figure 3: Impact of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Tofacitinib Note: Reference group is administration of XELJANZ alone. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS. None.. None. (4).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
DESCRIPTION SECTION.
11 DESCRIPTION. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are formulated with the citrate salt of tofacitinib, JAK inhibitor. Tofacitinib citrate is white to off-white powder with the following chemical name: (3R,4R)-4-methyl-3-(methyl-7H-pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-ss-oxo-1- piperidinepropanenitrile, 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (1:1).The solubility of tofacitinib citrate in water is 2.9 mg/mL. Tofacitinib citrate has molecular weight of 504.5 Daltons (or 312.4 Daltons as the tofacitinib free base) and molecular formula of C16H20N6OoC6H8O7. The chemical structure of tofacitinib citrate is:Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are supplied for oral administration as 11 mg pink, oval, extended-release film coated tablet debossed with 567 on one side and plain on other side. Each tablet contains 11 mg of tofacitinib (equivalent to 17.77 mg tofacitinib citrate) and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, ferrosoferric oxide/black iron oxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, macrogol, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, red iron oxide, talc and titanium dioxide. str.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. Recommended Evaluations and Immunization Prior to Treatment InitiationPrior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets, consider performing an active and latent TB evaluation, viral hepatitis screening, 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 InstructionsTofacitinib extended-release tablets are not substitutable with XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution). (2.2)Switching between XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be made by the healthcare provider. (2.2)Recommended DosageAdult Patients with RA, PsA or ASTofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily. (2.3)Adult Patients with UCInduction: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed, continue tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for 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 ImpairmentUse 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 ModificationSee 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). Prior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets, consider performing an active and latent TB evaluation, viral hepatitis screening, 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). Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not substitutable with XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution). (2.2). Switching between XELJANZ and tofacitinib extended-release tablets should be made by the healthcare provider. (2.2). Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily. (2.3). Induction: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed, continue tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily for 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). 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). 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)]. complete blood count: Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil count less than 1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin level less than g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Baseline hepatic function evaluation: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are 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 (5.10)]. 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 lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil count less than 1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin level less than g/dL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Baseline hepatic function evaluation: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are 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 (5.10)]. 2.2 Important Administration Instructions. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not substitutable with XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution). Switching between XELJANZ 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 (5.9) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Interrupt use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets if patient develops 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)]. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are not substitutable with XELJANZ (tablets and oral solution). Switching between XELJANZ 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 (5.9) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Interrupt use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets if patient develops 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 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 SpondylitisAdultsTofacitinib extended-release tabletsPatients with Normal Renal and Hepatic FunctionExcludes patients who concomitantly use XELJANZ tablets/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/mm3, ANC 1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin less than g/dL or decrease of more than g/dL. 11 mg once daily Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment (RI)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). Mild RI (CLcr 50 and <= 80 mL/min)11 mg once daily Moderate RI (CLcr >= 30 and <= 50 mL/min)XELJANZ tablets mg once daily Severe RI (CLcr 30 mL/min)XELJANZ tablets mg once daily For patients undergoing hemodialysis, administer the dose after the dialysis session on dialysis days. If dose was taken before the dialysis procedure, supplemental doses are not recommended after dialysisRecommended Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment (HI)Mild HI (Child-Pugh A)11 mg once daily Moderate HI (Child-Pugh B)XELJANZ tablets mg once daily Severe HI (Child-Pugh C)Use of XELJANZ tablets/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) XELJANZ tablets mg once daily Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor(s)Dosage Modifications for Lymphopenia, Neutropenia, or Anemia Patients with lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, confirmed by repeat testingDiscontinue dosing.Patients with ANC less than 500 cells/mm3 Discontinue dosing.Patients with ANC 500 to 1,000 cells/mm3 Interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1,000, resume 11 mg once daily. Patients with hemoglobin less than g/dL or decrease of more than g/dLInterrupt dosing until hemoglobin values have normalized.Switching from XELJANZ Tablets to Tofacitinib extended-release tabletsPatients treated with XELJANZ tablets mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily the day following the last dose of XELJANZ tablets mg.. 2.5 Recommended Dosage in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis. Table displays the recommended dosage of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) [see Indications and Usage (1.5)] with and without renal impairment (including those who are undergoing hemodialysis) or hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7)]. Table displays the recommended dosage modification 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 3: Recommended Dosage of Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis With and Without Renal Impairment or Hepatic Impairment Adults Tofacitinib Extended Release Tablets Patients with Normal Renal and Hepatic FunctionExcludes 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/mm3, ANC 1,000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin less than g/dL or decrease of more than g/dL. Induction: 22 mg once daily for at least weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed continue 22 mg once daily for maximum of 16 weeks. Discontinue 22 mg once daily after 16 weeks if adequate therapeutic response is not achieved. Maintenance: 11 mg once daily. For patients with loss of response during maintenance treatment, may consider dosage of 22 mg once daily (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. Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment (RI)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); CLcr 50 and <= 80 mL/min (mild renal impairment); >= 30 and <= 50 mL/min (moderate renal impairment); 30 mL/min (severe renal impairment). Mild RI (CLcr 50 and <= 80 mL/min) Same as patients with normal renal function. Moderate RI (CLcr >= 30 and <= 50 mL/min) Induction: 11 mg once daily for atleast weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed continue 11 mg once daily for maximum of 16 weeks. Discontinue 11 mg once daily after 16 weeks if adequate therapeutic response is not achieved. Maintenance: Tofacitinib extended release tablets is not recommended. See Maintenance Dosage for XELJANZ tablets for Moderate or Severe RI. For patients undergoing hemodialysis, administer the dose after the dialysis session on dialysis days. If dose was taken before the dialysis procedure, supplemental doses are not recommended after dialysis. Severe RI (CLcr 30 mL/min) Recommended Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment (HI) Mild HI (Child-Pugh A) Same as patients with normal hepatic function Moderate HI (Child-Pugh B) Induction: 11 mg once daily for at least weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed continue 11 mg once daily for maximum of 16 weeks. Discontinue 11 mg once daily after 16 weeks if adequate therapeutic response is not achieved. Maintenance: Tofacitinib extended release tablets is not recommended. See Maintenance Dosage for XELJANZ tablets for Moderate HI. Severe HI (Child-Pugh C) Use of tofacitinib extended release tablets is not recommended. Table 4: Dosage Modifications of Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets Due to Drug Interactions and for Lymphopenia, Neutropenia or Anemia in Adults with Ulcerative Colitis Adults Tofacitinib Extended Release Tablets Dosage Modifications with Concomitant Use of CYP3A4 and/or CYP2C19 Inhibitor(s) Strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) No dosage modification is recommended. Moderate CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) with strong CYP2C19 inhibitor(s) (e.g., fluconazole) Induction: 11 mg once daily for at least weeks; evaluate patients and transition to maintenance therapy depending on therapeutic response. If needed continue 11 mg once daily for maximum of 16 weeks. Discontinue 11 mg once daily after 16 weeks if adequate therapeutic response is not achieved. Maintenance: Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended. see Maintenance Dosage for XELJANZ tablets for Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor(s) Dosage Modifications for Lymphopenia, Neutropenia, or Anemia Lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, confirmed by repeat testing Discontinue dosing. ANC less than 500 cells/mm3 Discontinue dosing. ANC 500 to 1,000 cells/mm3 If taking: 22 mg once daily, reduce to 11 mg once daily. When ANC is greater than 1,000, increase to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response.11 mg once daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1,000, resume 11 mg once daily. Hemoglobin less than g/dL or decrease of more than g/dL Interrupt dosing until hemoglobin values have normalized. Switching from XELJANZ Tablets to Tofacitinib extended-release tabletsPatients treated with XELJANZ tablets:5 mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily the day following the last dose of XELJANZ tablets mg.10 mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily the day following the last dose of XELJANZ tablets 10 mg.. 22 mg once daily, reduce to 11 mg once daily. When ANC is greater than 1,000, increase to 22 mg once daily based on clinical response.. 11 mg once daily, interrupt dosing. When ANC is greater than 1,000, resume 11 mg once daily.. mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 mg once daily the day following the last dose of XELJANZ tablets mg.. 10 mg twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily the day following the last dose of XELJANZ tablets 10 mg.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets:11 mg of tofacitinib: Pink, oval, film coated extended release tablet debossed with 567 on one side and plain on other side.. 11 mg of tofacitinib: Pink, oval, film coated extended release tablet debossed with 567 on one side and plain on other side.. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets: 11 mg (3) Tofacitinib extended-release tablets: 11 mg (3).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. Table 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 DrugsStrong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole)Clinical ImpactIncreased exposure to tofacitinibInterventionDosage modification of tofacitinib extended-release tablets is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure (12.3)] Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Concomitantly Used with Strong CYP2C19 Inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole)Clinical ImpactIncreased exposure to tofacitinibInterventionDosage modification of tofacitinib extended-release tablets is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure (12.3)] Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin)Clinical ImpactDecreased exposure to tofacitinib and may result in loss of or reduced clinical responseInterventionConcomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology, Figure (12.3)] Immunosuppressive Drugs (e.g., azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine)Clinical ImpactRisk 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.InterventionConcomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1), Clinical Pharmacology, Figure (12.3)] See FPI for clinically significant drug interactions. (2, 7).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
GERIATRIC USE SECTION.
8.5 Geriatric Use. Of the 3,315 adults who were enrolled in clinical trials with RA (Studies RA-I to V), total of 505 patients were 65 years of age and older, including 71 patients 75 years and older. The frequency of serious infection among XELJANZ tablets-treated patients 65 years of age and older was higher than among those adults under the age of 65.Of the 1,156 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with UC, total of 77 patients (7%) were 65 years of age or older. Clinical studies of XELJANZ in patients with UC did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.Of the 783 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with PsA, total of 72 (9.2%) patients were 65 years of age and older, including (0.3%) patients 75 years and older. These clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older with PsA to determine if they respond differently from younger adult patients.Of the 420 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with AS, total of 12 (2.9%) patients were 65 years of age and older, including (0.2%) patient 75 years and older. These clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older with AS to determine if they respond differently from younger adult patients.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING. How Supplied Information for Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets How supplied information for tofacitinib extended-release tablets is shown in Table 23. Table 23: How Supplied Information for Tofacitinib Extended-Release TabletsBottle Size (number of tablets) NDC Number Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets, 11 mg30NDC 50228-567-30Pink, oval, film coated extended release tablet debossed with 567 on one side and plain on other side1000NDC 50228-567-10 Storage and Handling for Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets Store tofacitinib extended-release tablets at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.Tofacitinib 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.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.Limitations of Use:Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets for RA, AS, or PsA in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets for UC in combination with biological therapies for UC or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. (1.5) 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.. Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets for RA, AS, or PsA in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) Use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets 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. Tofacitinib 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 UseUse of tofacitinib extended-release tablets 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. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are 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 UseUse of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with biologic DMARDs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended. 1.3 Ankylosing Spondylitis. Tofacitinib 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 UseUse of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.. 1.5 Ulcerative Colitis. Tofacitinib 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 UseUse of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with biological therapies for UC or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). Serious Infections Inform patients that tofacitinib extended-release tablets may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections. Advise patients not to start taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets if they have an active infection. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately during treatment if symptoms suggesting infection appear to ensure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Advise patients that the risk of herpes zoster, some cases of which can be serious, is increased in patients treated with tofacitinib extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Malignancies and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Inform patients that tofacitinib extended-release tablets may increase their risk of certain cancers, and that lymphoma and other cancers have been observed in patients taking XELJANZ. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider if they have ever had any type of cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Inform patients that tofacitinib extended-release tablets may increase their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Instruct all patients, especially current or past smokers or patients with other cardiovascular risk factors, to be alert for the development of signs and symptoms of cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Thrombosis Advise patients to stop taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets and to call their healthcare provider right away if they experience any symptoms of thrombosis (sudden shortness of breath, chest pain worsened with breathing, swelling of leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, red or discolored skin in the affected leg or arm) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. Hypersensitivity Advise patients to stop taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets and to call their healthcare provider right away if they experience any symptoms of allergic reactions while taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes Consider advising patients with diabetes to increase monitoring of blood glucose since hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia, has been reported after starting tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Advise patients with diabetes to notify their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Important Information on Laboratory Abnormalities Inform patients that tofacitinib extended-release tablets may affect certain lab test results, and that blood tests are required before and during tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Pregnancy Advise pregnant females and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to fetus. Advise females to inform their prescriber of known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. LactationAdvise women not to breastfeed during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets and for at least 36 hours after the last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)]. Infertility Advise females of reproductive potential that tofacitinib extended-release tablets may impair fertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)]. It is not known if this effect is reversible. Residual Tablet Shell Patients receiving tofacitinib extended-release tablets may notice an inert tablet shell passing in the stool or via colostomy. Patients should be informed that the active medication has already been absorbed by the time the patient sees the inert tablet shell. Manufactured by: ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Hauppauge, NY 11788, USA.This products label may have been updated. For the most recent prescribing information, please visit www.sciegenpharm.com. Xeljanz is registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Xeljanz Oral Solution is registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc.All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Rev: 7/2026.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.
8.2 Lactation. Risk SummaryBased on published data, tofacitinib is present in human milk. Data on the effects of tofacitinib on the breastfed infant is limited to small number of cases with no reported adverse effects. There are no data on the effects on milk production. Given the serious adverse reactions seen in patients treated with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, such as increased risk of serious infections, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 36 hours after the last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets (approximately elimination half-lives).DataFollowing administration of tofacitinib to lactating rats, concentrations of tofacitinib in milk over time paralleled those in serum and were approximately times higher in milk relative to maternal serum at all time points measured.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.
12.1 Mechanism of Action. Tofacitinib is 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 IC50 of 406, 56, and 1377 nM, respectively. However, the relevance of specific JAK combinations to therapeutic effectiveness is not known.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. In 39-week toxicology study in monkeys, tofacitinib at exposure levels approximately times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg twice daily) produced lymphomas. No lymphomas were observed in this study at exposure levels times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 0.5 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg twice daily). The carcinogenic potential of tofacitinib was assessed in 6-month rasH2 transgenic mouse carcinogenicity and 2-year rat carcinogenicity studies. Tofacitinib, at exposure levels approximately 34 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 17 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 200 mg/kg/day) was not carcinogenic in mice. In the 24-month oral carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats, tofacitinib caused benign Leydig cell tumors, hibernomas (malignancy of brown adipose tissue), and benign thymomas at doses greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 42 times the exposure levels at the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 21 times the 10 mg twice daily dose on an AUC basis). The relevance of benign Leydig cell tumors to human risk is not known.Tofacitinib was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation assay. It was positive for clastogenicity in the in vitro chromosome aberration assay with human lymphocytes in the presence of metabolic enzymes, but negative in the absence of metabolic enzymes. Tofacitinib was negative in the in vivo rat micronucleus assay and in the in vitro CHO-HGPRT assay and the in vivo rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis assay. In rats, tofacitinib at exposure levels approximately 17 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 8.3 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day) reduced female fertility due to increased post-implantation loss. There was no impairment of female rat fertility at exposure levels of tofacitinib equal to the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 0.5 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of mg/kg/day). Tofacitinib exposure levels at approximately 133 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 67 times the 10 mg twice daily dose (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 100 mg/kg/day) had no effect on male fertility, sperm motility, or sperm concentration.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
NURSING MOTHERS SECTION.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential. Contraception FemalesIn an animal reproduction study, tofacitinib at AUC multiples of 13 times the recommended dosage of mg twice daily and 6.3 times the maximum recommended dosage of 10 mg twice daily demonstrated adverse embryo-fetal findings [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. However, there is uncertainty as to how these animal findings relate to females of reproductive potential treated with the recommended clinical dosage. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for females of reproductive potential. Infertility Females Based on findings in rats, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets may result in reduced fertility in females of reproductive potential. It is not known if this effect is reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
OVERDOSAGE SECTION.
10 OVERDOSAGE. There is no specific antidote for overdose with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions.In study in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis, plasma tofacitinib concentrations declined more rapidly during the period of hemodialysis and dialyzer efficiency, calculated as dialyzer clearance/blood flow entering the dialyzer, was high [mean (SD) 0.73 (0.15)]. However, due to the significant non-renal clearance of tofacitinib, the fraction of total elimination occurring by hemodialysis was small, and thus, limits the value of hemodialysis for treatment of overdose with tofacitinib extended-release tablets.Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.
PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE NDC 50228-567-30 Tofacitinib Extended-ReleaseTablets11 mg 30 Tablets Rx Only ScieGen Pharmaceuticals Inc.ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE NDC 50228-567-10 Tofacitinib Extended-ReleaseTablets11 mg 1,000 Tablets Rx Only ScieGen Pharmaceuticals Inc.. PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 11 mg (30 Tablets Bottle). PACKAGE LABEL-PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL 11 mg (30 Tablets Bottle).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.
8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with dose-dependent reductions of circulating CD16/56+ natural killer cells, with estimated maximum reductions occurring at approximately 8-10 weeks after initiation of therapy. These changes generally resolved within to weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Treatment with XELJANZ was associated with dose-dependent increases in cell counts. Changes in circulating T-lymphocyte counts and T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+) were small and inconsistent. The clinical significance of these changes is unknown. Total serum IgG, IgM, and IgA levels after 6-month dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were lower than in patients who received placebo; however, changes were small and not dose-dependent.After treatment with XELJANZ in patients with RA, rapid decreases in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed and maintained throughout dosing. Changes in CRP observed with XELJANZ treatment do not reverse fully within weeks after discontinuation, indicating longer duration of pharmacodynamic activity compared to the pharmacokinetic half-life. Similar changes in cells, cells, and serum CRP have been observed in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) although reversibility was not assessed. Total serum immunoglobulins were not assessed in patients with active PsA.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Following oral administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets, peak plasma concentrations were reached at hours and half-life was about to hours. Steady state concentrations were achieved within 48 hours with negligible accumulation after once daily administration.Table describes the pharmacokinetic parameters of tofacitinib extended-release tablets.Table Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets Following Multiple Oral DosingPK ParametersValues represent the geometric mean, except Tmax, for which is the median (range) is shown. (CV%)Tofacitinib extended-release tabletsDosing Regimen11 mg Once Daily22 mg Once DailyAbbreviations: AUC24 area under the concentration time profile from time to 24 hours; Cmax maximum plasma concentration; Cmin minimum plasma concentration; Tmax time to Cmax; CV Coefficient of variation.AUC24 (ng.hr/mL)269.0 (18)596.6 (19)Cmax (ng/mL)38.2 (15)83.8 (25)Cmin (ng/mL)1.07 (69)3.11 (43)Tmax (hours)4.0 (3.0 to 4.0)4.0 (2.0 to 4.0)AbsorptionXELJANZThe absolute oral bioavailability of XELJANZ is 74%. Coadministration of XELJANZ with high-fat meal resulted in no changes in AUC while Cmax was reduced by 32%. In clinical trials, XELJANZ was administered without regard to meals [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. Tofacitinib Extended-Release TabletsCoadministration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 and 22 mg with high-fat meal resulted in no changes in AUC while Cmax was increased by 27% and 19% respectively. Tmax was extended by approximately hour for both tofacitinib extended-release tablets 11 and 22 mg.Distribution After intravenous administration, the volume of distribution was 87 L. The protein binding of tofacitinib is approximately 40%. Tofacitinib binds predominantly to albumin and does not appear to bind to 1-acid glycoprotein. Tofacitinib distributes equally between red blood cells and plasma.Metabolism and ExcretionClearance mechanisms for tofacitinib are approximately 70% hepatic metabolism and 30% renal excretion of the parent drug. The metabolism of tofacitinib is primarily mediated by CYP3A4 with minor contribution from CYP2C19. In human radiolabeled study, more than 65% of the total circulating radioactivity was accounted for by unchanged tofacitinib, with the remaining 35% attributed to metabolites, each accounting for less than 8% of total radioactivity. The pharmacologic activity of tofacitinib is attributed to the parent molecule.Pharmacokinetics in Patients with RA, PsA, AS, and UCPopulation pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses indicated that PK characteristics were similar between patients with RA, PsA, ankylosing spondylitis, and UC. The coefficient of variation (%) in AUC of tofacitinib were generally similar across different disease patients, ranging from 22% to 34% (Table 9).Table 9: Tofacitinib Exposure in Patients with RA, PsA, AS, and UC After Administration of XELJANZ mg Twice Daily or 10 mg Twice DailyPharmacokinetic ParametersPharmacokinetic parameters estimated based on population pharmacokinetic analysis. Geometric Mean (CV%)XELJANZ mg Twice DailyXELJANZ 10 mg Twice DailyRheumatoid ArthritisPsoriatic ArthritisAnkylosing SpondylitisUlcerativeColitisUlcerative ColitisAbbreviations: AUC0-24,ss area under the plasma concentration-time curve over 24 hours at steady state;CV coefficient of variation.AUC0-24,ss (ng.h/mL) 504 (22.0%)419 (34.1%)381 (25.4%)423 (22.6%)807 (24.6%)Specific Populations Covariate evaluation as part of population PK analyses in adult patient populations indicated no clinically relevant change in tofacitinib exposure, after accounting for differences in renal function (i.e., creatinine clearance) between patients, based on age, weight, biological sex and race (Figure 1). An approximately linear relationship between body weight and volume of distribution was observed, resulting in higher peak (Cmax) and lower trough (Cmin) concentrations in lighter patients. However, this difference is not considered to be clinically relevant.The effect of renal and hepatic impairment and other intrinsic factors on the PK of tofacitinib is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1: Impact of Intrinsic Factors on Tofacitinib PharmacokineticsNote: Reference values for weight, age, biological sex, and race comparisons are 70 kg, 55 years, male, and white, respectively; reference groups for renal and hepatic impairment data are patients with normal renal and hepatic function. Renal function was estimated using creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault method and hepatic function was estimated using Child-Pugh scoring method.In patients with end-stage renal disease maintained on hemodialysis, mean AUC was approximately 40% higher compared with historical healthy subject data, consistent with approximately 30% contribution of renal clearance to the total clearance of tofacitinib [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]. Drug Interaction Studies Potential for Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets to Influence the PK of Other Drugs In vitro studies indicate that tofacitinib does not significantly inhibit or induce the activity of the major human drug-metabolizing CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4) at concentrations corresponding to the steady state Cmax of 10 mg twice daily dose. These in vitro results were confirmed by human drug interaction study showing no changes in the pharmacokinetics of midazolam, highly sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, when concomitantly administered with XELJANZ. In vitro studies indicate that tofacitinib does not significantly inhibit the activity of the major human drug-metabolizing uridine 5-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) [UGT1A1, UGT1A4, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7] at concentrations exceeding 250 times the steady state Cmax of 10 mg twice daily dose. In patients with RA, the oral clearance of tofacitinib does not vary with time, indicating that tofacitinib does not normalize CYP enzyme activity in patients with RA. Therefore, concomitant use with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not expected to result in clinically relevant increases in the metabolism of CYP substrates in patients with RA. In vitro data indicate that the potential for tofacitinib to inhibit transporters such as P-glycoprotein, organic anionic or cationic transporters at therapeutic concentrations is low.The impact of tofacitinib on the PK of other drugs for the concomitant drugs are shown in Figure 2. Figure 2: Impact of Tofacitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs Note: Reference group is administration of concomitant medication alone; OCT Organic Cationic Transporter; MATE Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion Potential for Other Drugs to Influence the Pharmacokinetics of Tofacitinib Since tofacitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4, interaction with drugs that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 is likely. Inhibitors of CYP2C19 alone or P-glycoprotein are unlikely to substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib (see Figure 3). Figure 3: Impact of Other Drugs on the Pharmacokinetics of Tofacitinib Note: Reference group is administration of XELJANZ alone. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
PREGNANCY SECTION.
8.1 Pregnancy. Risk Summary The available data with tofacitinib extended-release tablets from pregnancy exposure registry that enrolled exposed pregnant females, pharmacovigilance, and published literature are insufficient to draw conclusions about drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with RA and UC in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, fetocidal and teratogenic effects were noted when pregnant rats and rabbits received tofacitinib during the period of organogenesis at exposures multiples of 73-times and 6.3-times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily, respectively. Further, in peri- and post-natal study in rats, tofacitinib resulted in reductions in live litter size, postnatal survival, and pup body weights at exposure multiples of approximately 73-times the recommended dosage of mg twice daily and approximately 36 times the maximum recommended dosage of 10 mg twice daily, respectively (see Data). The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risks in the U.S. general population of major birth defects and miscarriages are to 4% and 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk: Published data suggest that increased disease activity is associated with the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with RA or UC. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.Data Animal Data: In rat embryofetal developmental study, in which pregnant rats received tofacitinib during organogenesis, tofacitinib was teratogenic at exposure levels approximately 146 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 73 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 100 mg/kg/day in rats). Teratogenic effects consisted of external and soft tissue malformations of anasarca and membranous ventricular septal defects, respectively; and skeletal malformations or variations (absent cervical arch; bent femur, fibula, humerus, radius, scapula, tibia, and ulna; sternoschisis; absent rib; misshapen femur; branched rib; fused rib; fused sternebra; and hemicentric thoracic centrum). In addition, there was an increase in post-implantation loss, consisting of early and late resorptions, resulting in reduced number of viable fetuses. Mean fetal body weight was reduced. No developmental toxicity was observed in rats at exposure levels approximately 58 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 29 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day in pregnant rats).In rabbit embryofetal developmental study in which pregnant rabbits received tofacitinib during the period of organogenesis, tofacitinib was teratogenic at exposure levels approximately 13 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 6.3 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day in rabbits) in the absence of signs of maternal toxicity. Teratogenic effects included thoracogastroschisis, omphalocele, membranous ventricular septal defects, and cranial/skeletal malformations (microstomia, microphthalmia), mid-line and tail defects. In addition, there was an increase in post-implantation loss associated with late resorptions. No developmental toxicity was observed in rabbits at exposure levels approximately times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 1.5 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day in pregnant rabbits). In peri- and postnatal development study in pregnant rats that received tofacitinib from gestation day through day 20 of lactation, there were reductions in live litter size, postnatal survival, and pup body weights at exposure levels approximately 73 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 36 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 50 mg/kg/day in rats). There was no effect on behavioral and learning assessments, sexual maturation or the ability of the F1 generation rats to mate and produce viable F2 generation fetuses in rats at exposure levels approximately 17 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 8.3 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day in rats).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
RECENT MAJOR CHANGES SECTION.
Boxed Warning10/2025Indications and Usage, Psoriatic Arthritis (1.2)10/2025Warnings and Precautions, Serious Infections (5.1)03/2026Warnings and Precautions, Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes (5.8)6/2026.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION.
MEDICATION GUIDETofacitinib (toe fa sye ti nib)extended-release tablets, for oral useWhat is the most important information should know about tofacitinib extended-release tabletsTofacitinib extended-release tablets may cause serious side effects including:1. Serious infections. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets are medicines that affect your immune system. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people can have serious infections while taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections.Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting tofacitinib extended-release tablets and during treatment.Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets.You should not start taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster).People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or tofacitinib extended-release tablets (22 mg one time each day) have higher risk of serious infections and shingles. Before starting tofacitinib extended-release tablets, tell your healthcare provider if you:think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:fever, sweating, or chillsmuscle achescoughshortness of breathblood in phlegmweight losswarm, red, or painful skin or sores on your bodydiarrhea or stomach painburning when you urinate or urinating more often than normalfeeling very tiredare being treated for an infection.get lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or weak immune system. People with these conditions have higher chance for infections.have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you take tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.have or have had hepatitis or C.After starting tofacitinib extended-release tablets, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that you have. 2. Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily.3. Cancer and immune system problems. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works.Lymphoma and other cancers including skin cancers can happen in people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. People taking XELJANZ mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are current or past smoker. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or tofacitinib extended-release tablets (22 mg one time each day) have higher risk of skin cancers. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. 4. Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily, especially if you are current or past smoker. Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of heart attack or stroke while taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, including:discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than few minutes, or that goes away and comes backsevere tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jawpain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomachshortness of breath with or without chest discomfortbreaking out in cold sweatnausea or vomitingfeeling lightheadedweakness in one part or on one side of your bodyslurred speech5. Blood clots in the lungs, veins of the legs or arms, and arteries. Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking XELJANZ mg or 10 mg twice daily. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in people with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.Stop taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets and tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop signs and symptoms of blood clot, such as sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of the leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or redness or discoloration in the leg or arm.6. Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines.Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets can get tears in their stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever and stomach-area pain that does not go away, and change in your bowel habits. 7. Allergic reactions. Symptoms such as swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, or hives (raised, red patches of skin that are often very itchy) that may mean you are having an allergic reaction have been seen in people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Some of these reactions were serious. If any of these symptoms occur while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, stop tofacitinib extended-release tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.8. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider may tell you to check your blood sugar (glucose) more often during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Call your healthcare provider if you have any problems with low blood sugar. 9. Changes in certain laboratory test results. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before you start taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets and while you take tofacitinib extended-release tablets to check for the following side effects:changes in lymphocyte counts. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.low neutrophil counts. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.low red blood cell count. This may mean that you have anemia, which may make you feel weak and tired.Your healthcare provider should routinely check certain liver tests. You should not take tofacitinib extended-release tablets if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low or your liver tests are too high. Your healthcare provider may stop your tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment for period of time if needed because of changes in these blood test results. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your cholesterol levels to weeks after you start taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, and as needed after that. Normal cholesterol levels are important to good heart health. See What are the possible side effects of tofacitinib extended-release tablets for more information about side effects.What is tofacitinib extended-release tabletsTofacitinib extended-release tablets is prescription medicine called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis when or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated.It is not known if tofacitinib extended-release tablets is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis or C.Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.It is not known if tofacitinib extended-release tablets is safe and effective in children.What should tell my healthcare provider before taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets Before taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:have an infection. See What is the most important information should know about tofacitinib extended-release tabletsare current or past smoker.have had any type of cancer.have had heart attack, other heart problems or stroke.have had blood clots in the veins of your legs, arms, or lungs, or clots in the arteries in the past.have liver problems.have kidney problems.have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.have diabetes.have had reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients in tofacitinib extended-release tablets.have recently received or are scheduled to receive vaccine. People who take tofacitinib extended-release tablets should not receive live vaccines. People taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets can receive non-live vaccines.plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping tofacitinib extended-release tablets. It is not known if tofacitinib extended-release tablets will harm an unborn baby.plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take tofacitinib extended-release tablets or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets do not start breastfeeding again until: 36 hours after your last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:any other medicines to treat your rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or ulcerative colitis. You should not take tocilizumab (Actemra), etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), rituximab (Rituxan), abatacept (Orencia), anakinra (Kineret), certolizumab (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), vedolizumab (Entyvio), ixekizumab (Taltz), azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets with these medicines may increase your risk of infection. medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.Know the medicines you take. Keep list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get new medicine.How should take tofacitinib extended-release tabletsTake tofacitinib extended-release tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.Take tofacitinib extended-release tablets time day with or without food.Swallow tofacitinib extended-release tablets whole and intact. Do not crush, split, or chew.When you take tofacitinib extended-release tablets, you may see something in your stool that looks like tablet. This is the empty shell from the tablet after the medicine has been absorbed by your body.If you take too much tofacitinib extended-release tablets, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.For the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, take tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with methotrexate, sulfasalazine or leflunomide as instructed by your healthcare provider.Tofacitinib extended-release tablets should not be used instead of XELJANZ oral solution.What are the possible side effects of tofacitinib extended-release tablets Tofacitinib extended-release tablets may cause serious side effects, including:See What is the most important information should know about tofacitinib extended-release tabletsHepatitis or activation infection in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are carrier of the hepatitis or virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets and while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of possible hepatitis or infection:feel very tiredskin or eyes look yellowlittle or no appetitevomitingclay-colored bowel movementsfeverschillsstomach discomfortmuscle achesdark urineskin rashCommon side effects of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis include:upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)headachediarrheanasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis)high blood pressure (hypertension)acneCommon side effects of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in people with ulcerative colitis include: nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis)increased cholesterol levelsheadacheupper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections)increased muscle enzyme levelsrashacnediarrheashingles (herpes zoster)Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of tofacitinib extended-release tablets. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.You may also report side effects to ScieGen at 1-855-724-3436.How should store tofacitinib extended-release tabletsStore tofacitinib extended-release tablets at room temperature between 68F to 77F (20C to 25C).Keep tofacitinib extended-release tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.General information about the safe and effective use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets.Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Medication Guide. Do not use tofacitinib extended-release tablets for condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give tofacitinib extended-release tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about tofacitinib extended-release tablets. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about tofacitinib extended-release tablets that is written for health professionals.What are the ingredients in tofacitinib extended-release tablets, 11 mgActive ingredient: tofacitinib citrateInactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, ferrosoferric oxide/black iron oxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, macrogol, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, red iron oxide, talc and titanium dioxide. This Medication Guide may have been updated. For the most recent Medication Guide, please visit www.sciegenpharm.com. Manufactured by:ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Hauppauge, NY 11788, USA. Xeljanz is registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Xeljanz Oral Solution is registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Revised: 7/2026. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting tofacitinib extended-release tablets and during treatment.. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets.. think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:. fever, sweating, or chills. muscle aches. cough. shortness of breath. blood in phlegm. weight loss. warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body. diarrhea or stomach pain. burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal. feeling very tired. are being treated for an infection.. get lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back.. have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or weak immune system. People with these conditions have higher chance for infections.. have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB.. live or have lived, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may happen or become more severe if you take tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common.. have or have had hepatitis or C.. Lymphoma and other cancers including skin cancers can happen in people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. People taking XELJANZ mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are current or past smoker. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or tofacitinib extended-release tablets (22 mg one time each day) have higher risk of skin cancers. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw. pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. breaking out in cold sweat. nausea or vomiting. feeling lightheaded. weakness in one part or on one side of your body. slurred speech. Stop taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets and tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop signs and symptoms of blood clot, such as sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of the leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or redness or discoloration in the leg or arm.. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets can get tears in their stomach or intestines. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate.. Symptoms such as swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, or hives (raised, red patches of skin that are often very itchy) that may mean you are having an allergic reaction have been seen in people taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Some of these reactions were serious. If any of these symptoms occur while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets, stop tofacitinib extended-release tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.. changes in lymphocyte counts. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.. low neutrophil counts. Neutrophils are white blood cells that help the body fight off infections.. low red blood cell count. This may mean that you have anemia, which may make you feel weak and tired.. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is prescription medicine called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis when or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when or more TNF blocker medicines have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated.. have an infection. See What is the most important information should know about tofacitinib extended-release tablets. are current or past smoker.. have had any type of cancer.. have had heart attack, other heart problems or stroke.. have had blood clots in the veins of your legs, arms, or lungs, or clots in the arteries in the past.. have liver problems.. have kidney problems.. have any stomach-area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.. have diabetes.. have had reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients in tofacitinib extended-release tablets.. have recently received or are scheduled to receive vaccine. People who take tofacitinib extended-release tablets should not receive live vaccines. People taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets can receive non-live vaccines.. plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping tofacitinib extended-release tablets. It is not known if tofacitinib extended-release tablets will harm an unborn baby.. plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take tofacitinib extended-release tablets or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets do not start breastfeeding again until: 36 hours after your last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets 36 hours after your last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets. any other medicines to treat your rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or ulcerative colitis. You should not take tocilizumab (Actemra), etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), rituximab (Rituxan), abatacept (Orencia), anakinra (Kineret), certolizumab (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), vedolizumab (Entyvio), ixekizumab (Taltz), azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets with these medicines may increase your risk of infection. medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.. Take tofacitinib extended-release tablets time day with or without food.. Swallow tofacitinib extended-release tablets whole and intact. Do not crush, split, or chew.. When you take tofacitinib extended-release tablets, you may see something in your stool that looks like tablet. This is the empty shell from the tablet after the medicine has been absorbed by your body.. If you take too much tofacitinib extended-release tablets, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.. For the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, take tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with methotrexate, sulfasalazine or leflunomide as instructed by your healthcare provider.. Tofacitinib extended-release tablets should not be used instead of XELJANZ oral solution.. See What is the most important information should know about tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Hepatitis or activation infection in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are carrier of the hepatitis or virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before you start treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets and while you are taking tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of possible hepatitis or infection:. feel very tired. skin or eyes look yellow. little or no appetite. vomiting. clay-colored bowel movements. fevers. chills. stomach discomfort. muscle aches. dark urine. skin rash. upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections). headache. diarrhea. nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis). high blood pressure (hypertension). acne. nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose (nasopharyngitis). increased cholesterol levels. headache. upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections). increased muscle enzyme levels. rash. acne. diarrhea. shingles (herpes zoster). Store tofacitinib extended-release tablets at room temperature between 68F to 77F (20C to 25C).
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.
1.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis. Tofacitinib 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 UseUse of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in combination with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2) 8.1 Pregnancy. Risk Summary The available data with tofacitinib extended-release tablets from pregnancy exposure registry that enrolled exposed pregnant females, pharmacovigilance, and published literature are insufficient to draw conclusions about drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with RA and UC in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, fetocidal and teratogenic effects were noted when pregnant rats and rabbits received tofacitinib during the period of organogenesis at exposures multiples of 73-times and 6.3-times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily, respectively. Further, in peri- and post-natal study in rats, tofacitinib resulted in reductions in live litter size, postnatal survival, and pup body weights at exposure multiples of approximately 73-times the recommended dosage of mg twice daily and approximately 36 times the maximum recommended dosage of 10 mg twice daily, respectively (see Data). The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risks in the U.S. general population of major birth defects and miscarriages are to 4% and 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk: Published data suggest that increased disease activity is associated with the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with RA or UC. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.Data Animal Data: In rat embryofetal developmental study, in which pregnant rats received tofacitinib during organogenesis, tofacitinib was teratogenic at exposure levels approximately 146 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 73 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 100 mg/kg/day in rats). Teratogenic effects consisted of external and soft tissue malformations of anasarca and membranous ventricular septal defects, respectively; and skeletal malformations or variations (absent cervical arch; bent femur, fibula, humerus, radius, scapula, tibia, and ulna; sternoschisis; absent rib; misshapen femur; branched rib; fused rib; fused sternebra; and hemicentric thoracic centrum). In addition, there was an increase in post-implantation loss, consisting of early and late resorptions, resulting in reduced number of viable fetuses. Mean fetal body weight was reduced. No developmental toxicity was observed in rats at exposure levels approximately 58 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 29 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day in pregnant rats).In rabbit embryofetal developmental study in which pregnant rabbits received tofacitinib during the period of organogenesis, tofacitinib was teratogenic at exposure levels approximately 13 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 6.3 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 30 mg/kg/day in rabbits) in the absence of signs of maternal toxicity. Teratogenic effects included thoracogastroschisis, omphalocele, membranous ventricular septal defects, and cranial/skeletal malformations (microstomia, microphthalmia), mid-line and tail defects. In addition, there was an increase in post-implantation loss associated with late resorptions. No developmental toxicity was observed in rabbits at exposure levels approximately times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 1.5 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day in pregnant rabbits). In peri- and postnatal development study in pregnant rats that received tofacitinib from gestation day through day 20 of lactation, there were reductions in live litter size, postnatal survival, and pup body weights at exposure levels approximately 73 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 36 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 50 mg/kg/day in rats). There was no effect on behavioral and learning assessments, sexual maturation or the ability of the F1 generation rats to mate and produce viable F2 generation fetuses in rats at exposure levels approximately 17 times the recommended dose of mg twice daily, and approximately 8.3 times the maximum recommended dose of 10 mg twice daily (on an AUC basis at oral doses of 10 mg/kg/day in rats). 8.2 Lactation. Risk SummaryBased on published data, tofacitinib is present in human milk. Data on the effects of tofacitinib on the breastfed infant is limited to small number of cases with no reported adverse effects. There are no data on the effects on milk production. Given the serious adverse reactions seen in patients treated with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, such as increased risk of serious infections, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 36 hours after the last dose of tofacitinib extended-release tablets (approximately elimination half-lives).DataFollowing administration of tofacitinib to lactating rats, concentrations of tofacitinib in milk over time paralleled those in serum and were approximately times higher in milk relative to maternal serum at all time points measured.. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential. Contraception FemalesIn an animal reproduction study, tofacitinib at AUC multiples of 13 times the recommended dosage of mg twice daily and 6.3 times the maximum recommended dosage of 10 mg twice daily demonstrated adverse embryo-fetal findings [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. However, there is uncertainty as to how these animal findings relate to females of reproductive potential treated with the recommended clinical dosage. Consider pregnancy planning and prevention for females of reproductive potential. Infertility Females Based on findings in rats, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets may result in reduced fertility in females of reproductive potential. It is not known if this effect is reversible [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Of the 3,315 adults who were enrolled in clinical trials with RA (Studies RA-I to V), total of 505 patients were 65 years of age and older, including 71 patients 75 years and older. The frequency of serious infection among XELJANZ tablets-treated patients 65 years of age and older was higher than among those adults under the age of 65.Of the 1,156 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with UC, total of 77 patients (7%) were 65 years of age or older. Clinical studies of XELJANZ in patients with UC did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.Of the 783 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with PsA, total of 72 (9.2%) patients were 65 years of age and older, including (0.3%) patients 75 years and older. These clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older with PsA to determine if they respond differently from younger adult patients.Of the 420 XELJANZ tablet-treated patients in clinical trials of patients with AS, total of 12 (2.9%) patients were 65 years of age and older, including (0.2%) patient 75 years and older. These clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older with AS to determine if they respond differently from younger adult patients.. 8.6 Renal Impairment. Moderate and Severe Renal ImpairmentXELJANZ-treated patients with moderate renal impairment (RI) (CLcr >= 30 and <= 50 mL/minute) or severe RI (< 30 mL/minute) had greater tofacitinib blood concentrations than XELJANZ-treated patients with normal renal function (CLcr 80 mL/minute). The recommended dosage of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with moderate or severe RI (including those with severe RI who are undergoing hemodialysis) is lower than the recommended dosage in patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.5)]. Mild Renal ImpairmentThe recommended dosage in patients with mild RI (CLcr 50 and <= 80 mL/minute) is the same as patients with normal renal function. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment. Severe Hepatic Impairment Tofacitinib extended-release tablets has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (HI) (Child-Pugh C); therefore, use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with severe HI is not recommended. Moderate Hepatic Impairment XELJANZ-treated patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) had greater tofacitinib blood concentration than XELJANZ-treated patients with normal hepatic function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Higher blood concentrations may increase the risk of some adverse reactions. The recommended tofacitinib extended-release tablets dosage in patients with moderate HI is lower than the recommended dosage in patients with normal hepatic function [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.5)].Mild Hepatic ImpairmentThe recommended dosage of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) is the same as patients with normal hepatic function.Hepatitis or SerologyThe safety and efficacy of tofacitinib extended-release tablets have not been studied in patients with positive hepatitis virus or hepatitis virus serology.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Serious Infections: Avoid use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets during an active serious infection, including localized infections. (5.1) Gastrointestinal Perforations: Promptly evaluate patients at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation who present with new onset abdominal symptoms. (5.6) Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes: Consider increased monitoring of blood glucose; advise patients with diabetes to notify their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia. (5.8) Laboratory Monitoring: Recommended due to potential changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, liver enzymes and lipids. (5.9) Vaccinations: Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. (5.10) Serious Infections: Avoid use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets during an active serious infection, including localized infections. (5.1) Gastrointestinal Perforations: Promptly evaluate patients at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation who present with new onset abdominal symptoms. (5.6) Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes: Consider increased monitoring of blood glucose; advise patients with diabetes to notify their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia. (5.8) Laboratory Monitoring: Recommended due to potential changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, liver enzymes and lipids. (5.9) Vaccinations: Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. (5.10) 5.1 Serious Infections Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving XELJANZ. The most common serious infections reported with XELJANZ included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, herpes zoster, bronchitis, septic shock, diverticulitis, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, and sepsis. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, esophageal candidiasis, pneumocystosis, multi-dermatomal herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus infections, BK virus infection, and listeriosis were reported with XELJANZ. Some patients have presented with disseminated rather than localized disease, and were often taking concomitant immunomodulating agents such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. In the UC population, treatment with XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice daily was associated with greater risk of serious infections compared to mg twice daily. Additionally, opportunistic herpes zoster infections (including meningoencephalitis, ophthalmologic, and disseminated cutaneous) were seen in patients who were treated with XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice daily.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 history of 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. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Interrupt tofacitinib extended-release tablets if patient develops serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. In patients who develop new infection during treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, promptly complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient; initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and monitor the patients closely. Caution is also recommended in patients with 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 (2.3, 2.5)]. Tuberculosis Evaluate and test patients for latent or active tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to and per applicable guidelines during administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with negative test for latent TB but who have risk factors for TB infection. Consultation with physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of TB, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Treat patients with latent TB 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 XELJANZ. Postmarketing cases of hepatitis reactivation have been reported in patients treated with XELJANZ. The impact of tofacitinib extended-release tablets on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients who screened positive for hepatitis or were excluded from clinical trials. Perform screening for viral hepatitis 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 extended-release tablets and appears to be higher in patients treated with XELJANZ in Japan and Korea.. with chronic or recurrent infection who have been exposed to tuberculosis with history of 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. 5.2 Increased Risk of Mortality. Increased risk of mortality may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 50 years of age and older, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day had higher observed rate of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, compared to those treated with TNF blockers in large, randomized, postmarketing safety study (RA Safety Study 1). The incidence rate of all-cause mortality per 100 patient-years was 1.23 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.88 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice 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.XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].For the treatment of UC, use tofacitinib extended-release tablets at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration needed to achieve/maintain therapeutic response [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].. 5.3 Malignancy and Lymphoproliferative Disorders. Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Malignancies, including lymphomas and solid cancers, were observed in clinical studies of XELJANZ [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Other malignancies were observed in XELJANZ clinical studies and the postmarketing setting, including, but not limited to, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. In RA Safety Study 1, higher rate of malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was observed in patients treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice day compared with TNF blockers. The incidence rate of malignancies (excluding NMSC) per 100 patient-years was 1.13 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 1.13 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice 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 subset of all malignancies in RA Safety Study 1, were observed at higher rate in patients treated with XELJANZ tablets mg twice day and XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day compared to those treated with TNF blockers. The incidence rate of lymphomas per 100 patient-years was 0.11 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.07 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice day, and 0.02 for TNF blockers. The incidence rate of lung cancers per 100 patient-years among current and past smokers was 0.59 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.48 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice 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 known malignancy (other than successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop malignancy while on treatment, and patients who are current or past smokers. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with XELJANZ tablets. Periodic skin examination is recommended for patients who are at increased risk for skin cancer. In the UC population, treatment with XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice daily was associated with greater risk of NMSC than treatment with placebo.. 5.4 Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events. Major adverse cardiovascular events may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. In RA Safety Study 1, patients with RA who were 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor and treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice daily had higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and non-fatal stroke, compared to those treated with TNF blockers. The incidence rate of MACE per 100 patient-years was 1.11 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.91 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice day, and 0.79 for TNF blockers. The incidence rate of fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction per 100 patient-years was 0.39 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.36 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice day, and 0.2 for TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies (14.6)]. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Inform patients about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur. Discontinue tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients that have experienced MI or stroke. XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].. 5.5 Thrombosis. Thrombosis may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Thrombosis, including pulmonary embolism (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and arterial thrombosis, have occurred in patients treated with XELJANZ and other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors used to treat inflammatory conditions. Many of these events were serious and some resulted in death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Patients with RA 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor treated with XELJANZ tablets mg or 10 mg twice daily compared to TNF blockers in RA Safety Study had an observed increase in incidence of these thrombotic events. The incidence rate of DVT per 100 patient-years was 0.28 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.22 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice day, and 0.16 for TNF blockers. The incidence rate of PE per 100 patient-years was 0.49 for XELJANZ tablets 10 mg twice day, 0.18 for XELJANZ tablets mg twice day, and 0.05 for TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies (14.6)].XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily (or tofacitinib extended-release tablets 22 mg once daily) dosages are not recommended for the treatment of RA, PsA, or AS [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].In long-term extension study in patients with UC, five cases of pulmonary embolism were reported in patients taking XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, including one death in patient with advanced cancer.Promptly evaluate patients with symptoms of thrombosis and discontinue tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with symptoms of thrombosis.Avoid tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients that may be at increased risk of thrombosis. For the treatment of UC, use tofacitinib extended-release tablets at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration needed to achieve/maintain therapeutic response [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].. 5.6 Gastrointestinal Perforations. Gastrointestinal perforations may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Events of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in clinical studies with XELJANZ tablets, although the role of JAK inhibition in these events is not known. In these studies, many patients with RA received background therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There was no discernable difference in frequency of gastrointestinal perforation between the placebo and the XELJANZ tablets treatment groups in clinical trials of patients with UC, and many of them were receiving background corticosteroids.Promptly evaluate patients treated with tofacitinib extended-release tablets who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with history of diverticulitis or taking NSAIDs) and who present with new onset abdominal symptoms for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. 5.7 Hypersensitivity Reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Reactions such as angioedema and urticaria that may reflect drug hypersensitivity have been observed in patients receiving tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Some events were serious. If serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, promptly discontinue tofacitinib extended-release tablets while evaluating the potential cause or causes of the reaction [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].. 5.8 Hypoglycemia in Patients with Diabetes Hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia, has been reported following initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets and other JAK inhibitors in patients with diabetes. During treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets, consider increased monitoring of blood glucose as clinically indicated in patients with diabetes. Advise patients with diabetes to notify their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia.. 5.9 Laboratory Abnormalities. Laboratory abnormalities may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Lymphocyte Abnormalities Treatment with XELJANZ tablets was associated with initial lymphocytosis at one month of XELJANZ tablets treatment followed by gradual decrease in mean absolute lymphocyte counts below the baseline of approximately 10% during 12 months of therapy. Lymphocyte counts less than 500 cells/mm3 in these patients were associated with an increased incidence of treated and serious infections.Monitor lymphocyte counts at baseline and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low lymphocyte count (i.e., less than 500 cells/mm3). In patients who develop confirmed absolute lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended.Neutropenia Treatment with XELJANZ tablets was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (less than 2,000 cells/mm3) compared to treatment with placebo.Monitor neutrophil counts at baseline and after 4-8 weeks of treatment and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low neutrophil count (i.e., ANC less than 1,000 cells/mm3). For patients who develop persistent ANC of 500 to 1,000 cells/mm3, interrupt dosing until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 cells/mm3. In patients who develop an ANC less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended.AnemiaMonitor hemoglobin at baseline and after to weeks of treatment and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low hemoglobin level (i.e., less than g/dL). Interrupt treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients who develop hemoglobin levels less than g/dL or whose hemoglobin level drops greater than g/dL on treatment until hemoglobin values have normalized.Liver Enzyme Elevations Treatment with XELJANZ tablets was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to treatment with placebo. Most of these abnormalities occurred in studies with background DMARD therapy (primarily methotrexate).Routine monitoring of liver tests and prompt investigation of the causes of liver enzyme elevations is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. If drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt the administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets until this diagnosis has been excluded.Lipid Elevations Treatment with XELJANZ tablets was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Maximum changes in these lipid parameters were generally observed within weeks. There were no clinically relevant changes in LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.Perform assessment of lipid parameters approximately to weeks following initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets therapy.Manage patients according to clinical guidelines [e.g., National Cholesterol Educational Program (NCEP)] for the management of hyperlipidemia.. Monitor lymphocyte counts at baseline and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low lymphocyte count (i.e., less than 500 cells/mm3). In patients who develop confirmed absolute lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended.. Monitor neutrophil counts at baseline and after 4-8 weeks of treatment and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low neutrophil count (i.e., ANC less than 1,000 cells/mm3). For patients who develop persistent ANC of 500 to 1,000 cells/mm3, interrupt dosing until ANC is greater than or equal to 1,000 cells/mm3. In patients who develop an ANC less than 500 cells/mm3, treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets is not recommended.. Monitor hemoglobin at baseline and after to weeks of treatment and every months thereafter. Avoid initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets treatment in patients with low hemoglobin level (i.e., less than g/dL). Interrupt treatment with tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients who develop hemoglobin levels less than g/dL or whose hemoglobin level drops greater than g/dL on treatment until hemoglobin values have normalized.. Routine monitoring of liver tests and prompt investigation of the causes of liver enzyme elevations is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. If drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt the administration of tofacitinib extended-release tablets until this diagnosis has been excluded.. Perform assessment of lipid parameters approximately to weeks following initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets therapy.. Manage patients according to clinical guidelines [e.g., National Cholesterol Educational Program (NCEP)] for the management of hyperlipidemia.. 5.10 Vaccinations. Avoid use of live vaccines concurrently with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Prior to initiating tofacitinib extended-release tablets therapy, update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of tofacitinib extended-release tablets therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.. 5.11 Risk of Gastrointestinal Obstruction with Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets A Non-Deformable Extended-Release Formulation. Gastrointestinal obstruction may occur with tofacitinib extended-release tablets. Avoid use of tofacitinib extended-release tablets in patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing (pathologic or iatrogenic). There have been rare reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures in association with the ingestion of other drugs utilizing non-deformable extended-release formulation.
Citing DrugCentral © 2026. License