Tojacia 5mg Tab

TOJACIA 5mg Tablet

TOJACIA 5mg Tablet, manufactured by Cipla, is a prescription medication used to manage various autoimmune conditions. It is an oral tablet form designed for easy and convenient dosing.

• Name:

  • Common Name: Tofacitinib
  • Brand Name: Tojacia 5mg Tablet (also known globally as Xeljanz)

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Tofacitinib 5mg

• Uses: TOJACIA 5mg Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe forms of:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Ulcerative Colitis (UC) It works by blocking the Janus kinase (JAK) enzyme, thereby reducing inflammation and associated symptoms like pain, tenderness, and swelling, and slowing the progression of joint damage. It may be used alone or in combination with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

• Dosage and Administration:

  • For rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, the typical recommended dose is 5 mg orally twice daily.
  • For ulcerative colitis, the induction dose is often 10 mg twice daily for at least 8 weeks, followed by 5 mg twice daily for maintenance.
  • The tablet can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or split.
  • If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time; do not double the dose.
  • Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or moderate hepatic impairment, or those taking certain CYP3A4 inhibitors.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, diarrhea, nausea, upper respiratory tract infections, runny or stuffy nose.
  • Serious Side Effects:
    • Serious infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, including tuberculosis and herpes zoster).
    • Increased risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma, lung cancer, and skin cancer.
    • Major adverse cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke).
    • Blood clots in the legs (DVT), arms, lungs (pulmonary embolism), or arteries.
    • Gastrointestinal perforations.

• Precautions:

  • Patients should be screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment and monitored for infections during therapy.
  • Avoid use in patients with active serious infections.
  • Close monitoring of blood counts (lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin), liver enzymes, and lipids is recommended.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as it can affect how the medication works.
  • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for several weeks after stopping.
  • Inform your doctor about any history of heart problems, blood clots, cancer, or digestive tract issues.
  • Avoid certain live vaccines while on this medication.

• Storage:

  • Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F).
  • Keep in the original bottle and carton to protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.

What is TOJACIA 5MG Tablet used for?

TOJACIA 5MG Tablet, containing the active ingredient tofacitinib, is primarily used to treat moderate to severe autoimmune inflammatory conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. It helps to alleviate pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints by reducing inflammation and can slow the progression of bone and joint damage.

How does TOJACIA 5MG Tablet work?

TOJACIA 5MG Tablet is a type of medicine known as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of Janus kinase enzymes, which are intracellular enzymes involved in the signaling pathways that influence immune cell function and promote inflammatory responses. By inhibiting these enzymes, tofacitinib helps to decrease the inflammatory response, thereby reducing symptoms of autoimmune conditions.

What is the usual dosage of TOJACIA 5MG Tablet?

For adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, the typical maintenance dosage of TOJACIA (tofacitinib) is 5 mg taken twice daily. For ulcerative colitis, an initial dosage of 10 mg twice daily for 8 to 16 weeks may be prescribed, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg twice daily. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with kidney or liver problems, or when taken with certain other medications.

What are the possible side effects of TOJACIA 5MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms). More serious side effects, though less common, can include severe infections (such as tuberculosis, shingles, fungal, bacterial, and viral infections), blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), certain cancers (lymphoma, lung cancer, skin cancer), and gastrointestinal perforations (tears in the stomach or intestine wall). Regular monitoring through blood tests is important to check for changes in blood cell counts, cholesterol levels, and liver function.

Is TOJACIA 5MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

TOJACIA 5MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby, and it may impair female fertility. If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or become pregnant while on this medication, you should consult your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding is also generally not recommended while taking TOJACIA, as it's not yet known whether the medication passes into breast milk and could harm the infant.

Can TOJACIA 5MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

TOJACIA 5MG Tablet can be used alone or in combination with non-biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate. However, it is generally not recommended to take it with strong immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus) or biologic DMARDs. Certain medications that affect liver enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inhibitors or inducers) can interact with tofacitinib and may require dosage adjustments. It is also advised to avoid live vaccines while on TOJACIA. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using TOJACIA 5MG Tablet?

Before starting TOJACIA, your doctor will likely screen you for tuberculosis (TB) and other infections. You should not start the medication if you have an active infection. During treatment, be vigilant for signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, or flu-like symptoms, and report them to your doctor immediately. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor blood cell counts, liver function, kidney function, and cholesterol levels. Discuss any history of cancer, heart problems, blood clots, or kidney/liver disease with your doctor, as these can affect the suitability or dosage of TOJACIA.

What happens if a dose of TOJACIA 5MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of TOJACIA 5MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should TOJACIA 5MG Tablet be stored?

TOJACIA 5MG Tablet should be stored in its original, closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It should not be frozen. If you are using the oral solution form, any unused solution should be discarded 60 days after opening the bottle.