What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tofacitinib?
Taking tofacitinib can increase your risk of life-threatening medical problems including serious infections, a hole or tear in your digestive tract, a heart attack or stroke, blood clots, or cancer. Tell your doctor if you've had:
- a weak immune system or chronic infection (such as tuberculosis, shingles, HIV, or hepatitis);
- any type of cancer;
- kidney disease, a kidney transplant, or if you are on dialysis;
- diverticulitis, an ulcer in your stomach or intestines;
- heart problems;
- a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
- high cholesterol; or
- if you've ever smoked.
Tell your doctor if you've been sick with signs of infection, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, trouble breathing, skin sores, diarrhea, or painful urination.
Tell your doctor if you've had or been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you recently traveled. Some infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Also tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
- chronic lung disease;
- diabetes; or
- if you are scheduled to receive any vaccine.
Using tofacitinib may increase your risk of developing certain cancers, such as lymphoma or lung cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating these conditions with tofacitinib may outweigh any risks to the baby.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of tofacitinib on the baby.
If you are a woman, tofacitinib may affect your ability to have children during treatment and in the future.
Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine, and for at least 18 hours after your last dose (36 hours if you take extended-release tablets). If you use a breast pump during this time, do not feed the milk to your baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. The extended-release tablets are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.