Tofajak 5mg Tablet

Tofajak 5 mg tablet contains tofacitinib and is prescribed to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions occur when the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and long-term joint damage. This medicine helps control the disease and improves daily movement and quality of life when taken regularly as advised by a specialist doctor.

Tofacitinib works by calming the immune system and reducing inflammation inside the joints. By lowering this inflammatory response, it helps relieve joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and may slow down further damage to the joints over time. The tablet can be taken with or without food, but it should always be swallowed whole and taken exactly in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.

Because Tofajak 5 mg affects the immune system, it can increase the risk of infections. Some infections may be serious, such as tuberculosis, shingles, or other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Your doctor may perform blood tests and screen for tuberculosis before starting treatment and will monitor you regularly during therapy.

If you develop fever, cough, unusual tiredness, or any signs of infection, inform your doctor immediately. This medicine should be used with caution in people who have a history of infections, liver or kidney problems, low blood counts, or other chronic illnesses. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly advised by a doctor.

Do not stop or change the dose on your own, and always keep regular follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your response and safety during treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, report to your doctor immediately.

Missed a Dose

Report to your doctor immediately. Do not take extra doses to compensate for missed doses.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Tofajak contains Tofacitinib which is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. These are enzymes which transmit signals to influence immune cell function. Tofacitinib modulates the signalling pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory action of immune cells in joints.

Directions for Use

• Take Tofajak 5 mg tablet as prescribed by your doctor
• Do not stop medication or modify dosage by yourself
• Report any side effects to your doctor immediately
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or divide the tablets
• You can take the tablets with or without food

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Tofajak 5 mg tablet during pregnancy?

Limited information is available on the use of Tofajak 5 mg tablet in pregnant women. Use in pregnancy is not recommended.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Tofajak 5 mg tablet Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 18 hours after the last dose of Tofajak 5.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Tofajak 5 tablet?

Tofajak 5 has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with a Tofajak 5 mg tablet?

No information is available on the interactions of Tofajak 5 mg tablet and alcohol.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You had any previous infections or currently have any infection
• You have latent or active tuberculosis, or are you on anti-tubercular therapy
• You have lived or travelled to areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses
• You have low haemoglobin
• You have a low white blood cell count
• You have diabetes
• You have any liver or kidney problems
• You have any heart problem
• You had or have Hepatitis B or C
• You have ulcers in the stomach or intestine
• You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• You are breastfeeding

Contraindications

If you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other ingredient of Tofajak 5 mg tablet.

Side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infection)
• Nasopharyngitis (nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose)
• Risk of clots (breathing difficulty, severe pain in legs)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Anaemia
• Recurrent infections

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Tofajak 5 tablets may interact with other medicinal products; hence please share complete information with your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
• The use of Tofajak 5 tablets in combination with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or with potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.
• Avoid the use of live vaccines concurrently with Tofajak 5. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of tofacitinib therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.

Interactions with food items

• Tofajak 5 mg tablet can be taken with or without food.
• There are no specific food restrictions while using this medicine.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, as this medicine lowers immunity and may increase the risk of infections.
• Limit grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may increase the level of the medicine in the body.
• Maintain a balanced, hygienic diet to support overall health during treatment.

Storage and disposal

• Store at 20-25°C
• Store in original bottle to protect from moisture and away from sunlight
• Ensure that it is out of sight and reach of minors
• Do not use the tablets after the expiry date

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does Tofajak 5 mg take to show effect?

Some patients may notice improvement within a few weeks, but full benefit may take several weeks to months, depending on the condition.

Can I take vaccines while using Tofajak 5 mg?

Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Always inform your doctor before receiving any vaccination.