tofacitinib
Tofacitinib is used alone or with other medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (condition in which the body attacks its own joints causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and swelling and scales on the skin) in adults who are unable to take or did not respond to or tolerate one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) in adults who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). It is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (PJIA; a type of childhood arthritis that affects five or more joints during the first six months of the condition, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) in children 2 years and older who are unable to take or who did not respond to one or more TNF inhibitor medication(s). Tofacitinib is in a class of medications called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking tofacitinib affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether tofacitinib can make it harder to get pregnant. Anyone with questions about fertility while taking this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking tofacitinib increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Studies have not specifically been done to see if tofacitinib increases this chance, though reports of its use in early pregnancy have not suggested an increased risk. This is something to discuss with your healthcare provider in the context of your individual situation.
Does taking tofacitinib increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons. There are limited studies on tofacitinib in pregnancy, and no increased chance of birth defects has been reported when it was used during early pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help weigh what is currently known against the benefits of treating your underlying condition.
Can taking tofacitinib during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to determine whether tofacitinib increases the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Anyone with concerns about these outcomes should talk with their healthcare provider.
Can taking tofacitinib during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see if tofacitinib affects future behavior or learning in children exposed during pregnancy. Because this information is not available, any questions about long-term child development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking tofacitinib?
Tofacitinib has not been well studied during breastfeeding, though in 2 reports the amount in breast milk was low and no side effects were noted in the breastfed infants. The product label and an expert panel recommend not using this medication while breastfeeding, with specific waiting periods after the last dose before resuming, while also noting that the benefits of using tofacitinib and breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks in some situations. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what is best for your circumstances.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
tofacitinib