Tofacitinib

Drug Name
Tofacitinib

Brand Name(s)
Xeljanz®

Drug Class
Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor

Tofacitinib is a DMARD used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), by inhibiting an enzyme called Janus kinase (JAK) which would otherwise trigger numerous inflammatory reactions. It can help suppress an overactive immune system, but can also increase your risk for certain infections.

This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:

Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy 
Care Director, MedInfuse Health

Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health

We also thank previous expert contributor:

Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health

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