Save on this medicine
Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Tofacitinib). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Indications & Uses
Tofu is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by dysregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL7, IL15, IL21, IL6, IFN-alpha, and IFN-beta. (3) Signalling by these cytokines leads to tissue inflammation and joint damage by driving the recruitment and activation of immune cells through the janus kinase pathway. Tofacitinib is a partial, reversible janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that keeps the body from responding to these cytokine signals. By inhibiting JAKs, tofacitinib blocks the phosphorylation and activation of STATs, the proteins that carry the signal onward. The JAK-STAT pathway governs the transcription of genes involved in blood cell formation and immune cell function, so by blocking this pathway, tofacitinib lowers the inflammatory response, which is how it works therapeutically. That said, some evidence suggests it may also act through other pathways.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The usual dose is Tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, or Tofacitinib 11 mg once daily. For patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment, the recommended dose is Tofacitinib 5 mg once daily.
Psoriatic Arthritis (used together with nonbiologic DMARDs): The usual dose is Tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, or Tofacitinib 11 mg once daily. For patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment, the recommended dose is Tofacitinib 5 mg once daily.
Ulcerative Colitis: The usual dose is Tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily for at least 8 weeks, followed by 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily. If adequate therapeutic benefit is not achieved, the 10 mg twice daily dose should be discontinued after 16 weeks. The lowest effective dose should be used to maintain response.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects during the first 3 months of controlled clinical trials (occurring in at least 2% of patients taking Tofatin XR alone or together with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, headache, diarrhea and nasopharyngitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Serious Infections: Do not start Tofatin XR treatment during an active serious infection, including infections that are localized. Gastrointestinal Perforations: Use it cautiously in patients who may be at higher risk. Laboratory Monitoring: Regular lab checks are advised, since Tofatin XR can affect lymphocyte, neutrophil, hemoglobin, liver enzyme and lipid levels. Immunizations: Avoid giving live vaccines alongside Tofatin XR. Treatment should not be started if the absolute lymphocyte count is below 500 cells/mm3, the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is below 1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin is below 9 gm/dL.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Tofacitinib should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Tofacitinib is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Tofacitinib, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Pediatric use
The safety and effectiveness of Tofacitinib in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
Among people treated with Tofacitinib, serious infections were more frequent in those aged 65 years and older than in those under 65. Infections are more common in the elderly in general, so caution should be used when treating elderly patients.
Moderate and severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment
Patients with these conditions should get half the total daily dosage recommended for patients with normal renal and hepatic function.
Storage
Keep Tofacitinib below 30°C, and away from light and moisture. As with all medicines, keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Tofu 5 mg
What is Tofu 5 mg Tablet?
Tofu 5 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Tofacitinib. It is made by Chemist Laboratories Ltd. It belongs to the Immunosuppressant group of medicines.
What is Tofu used for?
Tofu is used for: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What are the side effects of Tofu?
The most commonly reported side effects during the first 3 months of controlled clinical trials (occurring in at least 2% of patients taking Tofatin XR alone or together with DMARDs) were upper respiratory tract infections, headache, diarrhea and nasopharyngitis.
Can I take Tofu during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Tofu?
Keep Tofacitinib below 30°C, and away from light and moisture. As with all medicines, keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Tofu?
Some medicines can interact with Tofacitinib, for example: Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Rifampicin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Tofu?
Tofu is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.