4.1. Therapeutic indications

Tofacitinib is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (rheumatoid factor positive [RF+] or negative [RF-] polyarthritis and extended oligoarthritis), and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients 2 years of age and older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Tofacitinib can be given in combination with methotrexate (MTX) or as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which tofacitinib is indicated.

Posology

Tofacitinib may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX).

The recommended dose in patients 2 years of age and older is based upon the following weight categories:

Table 1: Tofacitinib dose for patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile PsA two years of age and older

Body weight (kg)

Dose regimen

10 ‑ < 20

3.2 mg (3.2 mL of oral solution) twice daily

20 ‑ < 40

4 mg (4 mL of oral solution) twice daily

≥ 40

5 mg (5 mL of oral solution or 5 mg film-coated tablet) twice daily

Patients ≥ 40 kg treated with tofacitinib 5 mL oral solution twice daily may be switched to tofacitinib 5 mg film-coated tablets twice daily. Patients < 40 kg cannot be switched from tofacitinib oral solution.

Dose adjustment

No dose adjustment is required when used in combination with MTX.

Dose interruption and discontinuation

Available data suggest that clinical improvement is observed within 18 weeks of initiation of treatment with tofacitinib. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient exhibiting no improvement within this timeframe.

Tofacitinib treatment should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled.

Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of dose-related laboratory abnormalities including lymphopenia, neutropenia, and anaemia. As described in Tables 2, 3 and 4 below, recommendations for temporary dose interruption or permanent discontinuation of treatment are made according to the severity of laboratory abnormalities (see section 4.4).

It is recommended not to initiate dosing in paediatric patients with an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) less than 750 cells/mm3.

Table 2: Low absolute lymphocyte count

Low absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (see section 4.4)

Laboratory value

(cells/mm3)

Recommendation

ALC greater than or equal to 750

Dose should be maintained.

ALC 500-750

For persistent (2 sequential values in this range on routine testing) decrease in this range, dosing should be reduced or interrupted until ALC is greater than 750.

For patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, dosing should be interrupted.

When ALC is greater than 750, treatment should be resumed as clinically appropriate.

ALC less than 500

If laboratory value confirmed by repeat testing within 7 days, dosing should be discontinued.

It is recommended not to initiate dosing in paediatric patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 1,200 cells/mm3.

Table 3: Low absolute neutrophil count

Low absolute neutrophil count (ANC) (see section 4.4)

Laboratory Value

(cells/mm3)

Recommendation

ANC greater than 1,000

Dose should be maintained.

ANC 500-1,000

For persistent (2 sequential values in this range on routine testing) decreases in this range, dosing should be reduced or interrupted until ANC is greater than 1,000.

For patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, dosing should be interrupted.

When ANC is greater than 1,000, treatment should be resumed as clinically appropriate.

ANC less than 500

If laboratory value confirmed by repeat testing within 7 days, dosing should be discontinued.

It is recommended not to initiate dosing in paediatric patients with haemoglobin less than 10 g/dL.

Table 4: Low haemoglobin value

Low haemoglobin value (see section 4.4)

Laboratory value

(g/dL)

Recommendation

Less than or equal to 2 g/dL decrease and greater than or equal to 9.0 g/dL

Dose should be maintained.

Greater than 2 g/dL decrease or less than 8.0 g/dL

(confirmed by repeat testing)

Dosing should be interrupted until haemoglobin values have normalised.

Interactions

Tofacitinib total daily dose should be reduced to 5 mg film-coated tablet once daily or weight-based equivalent once daily in patients receiving 5 mg film-coated tablets or weight-based equivalent twice daily in patients receiving potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) and in patients receiving 1 or more concomitant medicinal products that result in both moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 as well as potent inhibition of CYP2C19 (e.g., fluconazole) (see section 4.5).

Special populations

Elderly

The safety and efficacy of tofacitinib oral solution has not been established in the elderly.

Hepatic impairment

Table 5: Dose adjustment for hepatic impairment

Hepatic impairment category

Classification

Dose adjustment in hepatic impairment for oral solution

Mild

Child Pugh A

No dose adjustment required.

Moderate

Child Pugh B

Dose should be reduced to 5 mg or weight-based equivalent once daily when the indicated dose in the presence of normal hepatic function is 5 mg or weight‑based equivalent twice daily (see section 5.2).

Severe

Child Pugh C

Tofacitinib should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).

Renal impairment

Table 6: Dose adjustment for renal impairment

Renal impairment category

Creatinine clearance

Dose adjustment in renal impairment for oral solution

Mild

50-80 mL/min

No dose adjustment required.

Moderate

30-49 mL/min

No dose adjustment required.

Severe (including patients undergoing haemodialysis)

< 30 mL/min

Dose should be reduced to 5 mg or weight-based equivalent once daily when the indicated dose in the presence of normal renal function is 5 mg or weight‑based equivalent twice daily.

Patients with severe renal impairment should remain on a reduced dose even after haemodialysis (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population (children below 2 years of age)

The safety and efficacy of tofacitinib in children below 2 years of age has not been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

Oral use.

Tofacitinib oral solution should be administered using the included press-in bottle adapter and oral dosing syringe.

Tofacitinib is given orally with or without food.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Active tuberculosis (TB), serious infections such as sepsis, or opportunistic infections (see section 4.4).

• Severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.2).

• Pregnancy and lactation (see section 4.6).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Tofacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available in patients:

-65 years of age and older;

-patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or other cardiovascular risk factors (such as current or past long-time smokers);

-patients with malignancy risk factors (e.g. current malignancy or history of malignancy)

Combination with other therapies

Tofacitinib has not been studied and its use should be avoided in combination with biologics such as TNF antagonists, interleukin (IL)-1R antagonists, IL-6R antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, IL‑17 antagonists, IL‑12/IL‑23 antagonists, anti-integrins, selective co-stimulation modulators and potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, ciclosporin and tacrolimus because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.

There was a higher incidence of adverse events for the combination of tofacitinib with MTX versus tofacitinib as monotherapy in RA clinical studies.

The use of tofacitinib in combination with phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors has not been studied in tofacitinib clinical studies.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Serious VTE events including pulmonary embolism (PE), some of which were fatal, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), have been observed in patients taking tofacitinib (see Table 7 in section 4.8). In a randomised post‑authorisation safety study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were 50 years of age or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a dose dependent increased risk for VTE was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see sections 4.8 and 5.1).

In a post hoc exploratory analysis within this study, in patients with known VTE risk factors, occurrences of subsequent VTEs were observed more frequently in tofacitinib-treated patients that, at 12 months treatment, had D-dimer level ≥2× ULN versus those with D-dimer level <2×ULN; this was not evident in TNF inhibitor‑treated patients. Interpretation is limited by the low number of VTE events and restricted D‑dimer test availability (only assessed at Baseline, Month 12, and at the end of the study). In patients who did not have a VTE during the study, mean D-dimer levels were significantly reduced at Month 12 relative to Baseline across all treatment arms. However, D-dimer levels ≥2× ULN at Month 12 were observed in approximately 30% of patients without subsequent VTE events, indicating limited specificity of D‑Dimer testing in this study.

In patients with cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors (see also section 4.4 “Major adverse cardiovascular events (including myocardial infarction)” and “Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders”) tofacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

In patients with VTE risk factors other than MACE or malignancy risk factors, tofacitinib should be used with caution. VTE risk factors other than MACE or malignancy risk factors include previous VTE, patients undergoing major surgery, immobilisation, use of combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, inherited coagulation disorder. Patients should be re-evaluated periodically during tofacitinib treatment to assess for changes in VTE risk.

For patients with RA with known risk factors for VTE, consider testing D-dimer levels after approximately 12 months of treatment. If D-dimer test result is ≥ 2× ULN, confirm that clinical benefits outweigh risks prior to a decision on treatment continuation with tofacitinib.

Promptly evaluate patients with signs and symptoms of VTE and discontinue tofacitinib in patients with suspected VTE, regardless of dose or indication.

Retinal venous thrombosis

Retinal venous thrombosis (RVT) has been reported in patients treated with tofacitinib (see section 4.8). The patients should be advised to promptly seek medical care in case they experience symptoms suggestive of RVT.

Serious infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, or other opportunistic pathogens have been reported in patients receiving tofacitinib (see section 4.8). The risk of opportunistic infections is higher in Asian geographic regions (see section 4.8). Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking corticosteroids may be predisposed to infection.

Tofacitinib should not be initiated in patients with active infections, including localised infections.

The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating tofacitinib in patients:

• with recurrent infections,

• with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection,

• who have resided or travelled in areas of endemic mycoses,

• who have underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with tofacitinib. Treatment should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection, an opportunistic infection, or sepsis. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with tofacitinib should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated, and the patient should be closely monitored.

As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly and in the diabetic populations in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly and patients with diabetes (see section 4.8). In patients 65 years of age and older, tofacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available (see section 5.1).

Risk of infection may be higher with increasing degrees of lymphopenia and consideration should be given to lymphocyte counts when assessing individual patient risk of infection. Discontinuation and monitoring criteria for lymphopenia are discussed in section 4.2.

Tuberculosis

The risks and benefits of treatment should be considered prior to initiating tofacitinib in patients:

• who have been exposed to TB,

• who have resided or travelled in areas of endemic TB.

Patients should be evaluated and tested for latent or active infection prior to and per applicable guidelines during administration of tofacitinib.

Patients with latent TB, who test positive, should be treated with standard antimycobacterial therapy before administering tofacitinib.

Antituberculosis therapy should also be considered prior to administration of tofacitinib in patients who test negative for TB but who have a past history of latent or active TB and where an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed; or those who test negative but who have risk factors for TB infection. Consultation with a healthcare professional with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating antituberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of TB, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation and cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster) have been observed in patients receiving tofacitinib (see section 4.8).

In patients treated with tofacitinib, the incidence of herpes zoster appears to be increased in:

• Japanese or Korean patients.

• Patients with an ALC less than 1,000 cells/mm3 (see section 4.2).

• Patients with long standing RA who have previously received two or more biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

The impact of tofacitinib on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Patients screened positive for hepatitis B or C were excluded from clinical studies. Screening for viral hepatitis should be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting therapy with tofacitinib.

At least one confirmed case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been reported in RA patients receiving tofacitinib in the post marketing setting. PML can be fatal and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with new onset or worsening neurological symptoms.

Major adverse cardiovascular events (including myocardial infarction)

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) have been observed in patients taking tofacitinib.

In a randomised post authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years of age or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, an increased incidence of myocardial infarctions was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see sections 4.8 and 5.1). In patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, and patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or other cardiovascular risk factors, tofacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available (see section 5.1).

Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorder

Tofacitinib may affect host defences against malignancies.

In a randomised post authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years of age or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, an increased incidence of malignancies particularly NMSC, lung cancer and lymphoma, was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see sections 4.8 and 5.1).

NMSC lung cancers and lymphoma in patients treated with tofacitinib have also been observed in other clinical studies and in the post-marketing setting.

Other malignancies in patients treated with tofacitinib were observed in clinical studies and the post‑marketing setting, including, but not limited to, breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

In patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, and patients with other malignancy risk factors (e.g. current malignancy or history of malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer) tofacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available (see section 5.1). Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those who are at increased risk for skin cancer (see Table 7 in section 4.8).

Interstitial lung disease

Caution is also recommended in patients with a history of chronic lung disease as they may be more prone to infections. Events of interstitial lung disease (some of which had a fatal outcome) have been reported in patients treated with tofacitinib in RA clinical studies and in the post-marketing setting although the role of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition in these events is not known. Asian RA patients are known to be at higher risk of interstitial lung disease, thus caution should be exercised in treating these patients.

Gastrointestinal perforations

Events of gastrointestinal perforation have been reported in clinical studies although the role of JAK inhibition in these events is not known. Tofacitinib should be used with caution in patients who may be at increased risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with a history of diverticulitis, patients with concomitant use of corticosteroids and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Patients presenting with new onset abdominal signs and symptoms should be evaluated promptly for early identification of gastrointestinal perforation.

Fractures

Fractures have been observed in patients treated with tofacitinib.

Tofacitinib should be used with caution in patients with known risk factors for fractures such as elderly patients, female patients and patients with corticosteroid use, regardless of indication and dosage.

Liver enzymes

Treatment with tofacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation in some patients (see section 4.8 liver enzyme tests). Caution should be exercised when considering initiation of tofacitinib treatment in patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), particularly when initiated in combination with potentially hepatotoxic medicinal products such as MTX. Following initiation, routine monitoring of liver tests and prompt investigation of the causes of any observed liver enzyme elevations are recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury. If drug-induced liver injury is suspected, the administration of tofacitinib should be interrupted until this diagnosis has been excluded.

Hypersensitivity

In post‑marketing experience, cases of hypersensitivity associated with tofacitinib administration have been reported. Allergic reactions included angioedema and urticaria; serious reactions have occurred. If any serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs, tofacitinib should be discontinued immediately.

Laboratory parameters

Lymphocytes

Treatment with tofacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of lymphopenia compared to placebo. Lymphocyte counts less than 750 cells/mm3 were associated with an increased incidence of serious infections. It is not recommended to initiate or continue tofacitinib treatment in patients with a confirmed lymphocyte count less than 750 cells/mm3. Lymphocytes should be monitored at baseline and every 3 months thereafter. For recommended modifications based on lymphocyte counts, see section 4.2.

Neutrophils

Treatment with tofacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of neutropenia (less than 2,000 cells/mm3) compared to placebo. It is not recommended to initiate tofacitinib treatment in adult patients with an ANC less than 1,000 cells/mm3 and in paediatric patients with an ANC less than 1,200 cells/mm3. ANC should be monitored at baseline and after 4 to 8 weeks of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. For recommended modifications based on ANC, see section 4.2.

Haemoglobin

Treatment with tofacitinib has been associated with decreases in haemoglobin levels. It is not recommended to initiate tofacitinib treatment in adult patients with a haemoglobin value less than 9 g/dL and in paediatric patients with haemoglobin value less than 10 g/dL. Haemoglobin should be monitored at baseline and after 4 to 8 weeks of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. For recommended modifications based on haemoglobin level, see section 4.2.

Lipid monitoring

Treatment with tofacitinib was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Maximum effects were generally observed within 6 weeks. Assessment of lipid parameters should be performed after 8 weeks following initiation of tofacitinib therapy. Patients should be managed according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidaemia. Increases in total and LDL cholesterol associated with tofacitinib may be decreased to pretreatment levels with statin therapy.

Hypoglycaemia in patients treated for diabetes

There have been reports of hypoglycaemia following initiation of tofacitinib in patients receiving medication for diabetes. Dose adjustment of anti-diabetic medication may be necessary in the event that hypoglycaemia occurs.

Vaccinations

Prior to initiating tofacitinib, it is recommended that all patients, particularly pJIA and jPsA patients, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines. It is recommended that live vaccines not be given concurrently with tofacitinib. The decision to use live vaccines prior to tofacitinib treatment should take into account the pre-existing immunosuppression in a given patient.

Prophylactic zoster vaccination should be considered in accordance with vaccination guidelines. Particular consideration should be given to patients with longstanding RA who have previously received two or more biological DMARDs. If live zoster vaccine is administered; it should only be administered to patients with a known history of chickenpox or those that are seropositive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). If the history of chickenpox is considered doubtful or unreliable it is recommended to test for antibodies against VZV.

Vaccination with live vaccines should occur at least 2 weeks but preferably 4 weeks prior to initiation of tofacitinib or in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunomodulatory medicinal products. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines to patients receiving tofacitinib.

Excipients contents

Propylene glycol

This medicinal product contains 2.39 mg propylene glycol in each mL.

Examples of propylene glycol exposures based on daily doses (see section 4.2) are as follows:

• A dose of 3.2 mg twice daily of XELJANZ 1 mg/mL oral solution administered to a child weighing 10 kg to < 20 kg would result in a propylene glycol exposure of 1.53 mg/kg/day.

• A dose of 4 mg twice daily of XELJANZ 1 mg/mL oral solution administered to a child weighing 20 kg to <40 kg would result in a propylene glycol exposure of 0.96 mg/kg/day.

• A dose of 5 mg twice daily of XELJANZ 1 mg/mL oral solution administered to a child weighing ≥40 kg would result in a propylene glycol exposure of 0.60 mg/kg/day.

Sodium benzoate

This medicinal product contains 0.9 mg sodium benzoate in each mL.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per mL, that is to say essentially 'sodium‑free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Potential for other medicinal products to influence the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tofacitinib

Since tofacitinib is metabolised by CYP3A4, interaction with medicinal products that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 is likely. Tofacitinib exposure is increased when coadministered with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) or when administration of one or more concomitant medicinal products results in both moderate inhibition of CYP3A4 and potent inhibition of CYP2C19 (e.g., fluconazole) (see section 4.2).

Tofacitinib exposure is decreased when coadministered with potent CYP inducers (e.g., rifampicin). Inhibitors of CYP2C19 alone or P-glycoprotein are unlikely to significantly alter the PK of tofacitinib.

Coadministration with ketoconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor), fluconazole (moderate CYP3A4 and potent CYP2C19 inhibitor), tacrolimus (mild CYP3A4 inhibitor) and ciclosporin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased tofacitinib AUC, while rifampicin (potent CYP inducer) decreased tofacitinib AUC. Coadministration of tofacitinib with potent CYP inducers (e.g., rifampicin) may result in a loss of or reduced clinical response (see Figure 1). Coadministration of potent inducers of CYP3A4 with tofacitinib is not recommended. Coadministration with ketoconazole and fluconazole increased tofacitinib Cmax, while tacrolimus, ciclosporin and rifampicin decreased tofacitinib Cmax. Concomitant administration with MTX 15-25 mg once weekly had no effect on the PK of tofacitinib in RA patients (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Impact of other medicinal products on PK of tofacitinib

Note: Reference group is administration of tofacitinib alone.

a Tofacitinib dose should be reduced to 5 mg film-coated tablet once daily or oral solution weight-based equivalent in patients receiving 5 mg or weight-based equivalent twice daily (see section 4.2).

Potential for tofacitinib to influence the PK of other medicinal products

Coadministration of tofacitinib did not have an effect on the PK of oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, in healthy female volunteers.

In RA patients, coadministration of tofacitinib with MTX 15-25 mg once weekly decreased the AUC and Cmax of MTX by 10% and 13%, respectively. The extent of decrease in MTX exposure does not warrant modifications to the individualised dosing of MTX.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of tofacitinib in pregnant women. Tofacitinib has been shown to be teratogenic in rats and rabbits, and to affect parturition and peri/postnatal development (see section 5.3).

As a precautionary measure, the use of tofacitinib during pregnancy is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Women of childbearing potential/contraception in females

Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment with tofacitinib and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose.

Breast-feeding

Based on published data, tofacitinib is excreted in human milk. The effects of tofacitinib on the breast‑fed infant from published literature and post-marketing data is unknown and is limited to a small number of cases with no causally related adverse events. A risk to the breast-fed child cannot be excluded. As a precautionary measure, the use of tofacitinib during breast-feeding is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Fertility

Formal studies of the potential effect on human fertility have not been conducted. Tofacitinib impaired female fertility but not male fertility in rats (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

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

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Rheumatoid arthritis

The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections (see section 4.4). In the long-term safety all exposure population, the most common serious infections reported with tofacitinib were pneumonia (1.7%), herpes zoster (0.6%), urinary tract infection (0.4%), cellulitis (0.4%), diverticulitis (0.3%), and appendicitis (0.2%). Among opportunistic infections, TB and other mycobacterial infections, cryptococcus, histoplasmosis, oesophageal candidiasis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus infection, BK virus infections and listeriosis were reported with tofacitinib. Some patients have presented with disseminated rather than localised disease. Other serious infections that were not reported in clinical studies may also occur (e.g., coccidioidomycosis).

The most commonly reported adverse reactions during the first 3 months of the double-blind, placebo or MTX controlled clinical studies were headache (3.9%), upper respiratory tract infections (3.8%), viral upper respiratory tract infection (3.3%), diarrhoea (2.9%), nausea (2.7%), and hypertension (2.2%).

The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions during first 3 months of the double-blind, placebo or MTX controlled studies was 3.8% for patients taking tofacitinib. The most common infections resulting in discontinuation of therapy during the first 3 months in controlled clinical studies were herpes zoster (0.19%) and pneumonia (0.15%).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The adverse reactions listed in the table below are from clinical studies in adult patients with RA, PsA, and UC and are presented by System Organ Class (SOC) and frequency categories, defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), or not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 7: Adverse reactions

System organ class

Common

≥1/100 to <1/10

Uncommon

≥1/1,000 to <1/100

Rare

≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000

Very rare

<1/10,000

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Infections and infestations

Pneumonia

Influenza

Herpes zoster

Urinary tract infection

Sinusitis

Bronchitis

Nasopharyngitis

Pharyngitis

Tuberculosis

Diverticulitis

Pyelonephritis

Cellulitis

Herpes simplex

Gastroenteritis viral

Viral infection

Sepsis

Urosepsis

Disseminated TB

Bacteraemia

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia

Pneumonia pneumococcal

Pneumonia bacterial

Cytomegalovirus infection

Arthritis bacterial

Tuberculosis of central nervous system

Meningitis cryptococcal

Necrotizing fasciitis

Encephalitis

Staphylococcal bacteraemia

Mycobacterium avium complex infection

Atypical mycobacterial infection

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)

Lung cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers

Lymphoma

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Lymphopenia

Anaemia

Leukopenia

Neutropenia

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity*

Angioedema*

Urticaria*

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Dyslipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia

Dehydration

Psychiatric disorders

Insomnia

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Paraesthesia

Cardiac disorders

Myocardial infarction

Vascular disorders

Hypertension

Venous thromboembolism**

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Cough

Dyspnoea

Sinus congestion

Gastrointestinal disorders

Abdominal pain

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Nausea

Gastritis

Dyspepsia

Hepatobiliary disorders

Hepatic steatosis

Hepatic enzyme increased

Transaminases increased

Gamma glutamyl-transferase increased

Liver function test abnormal

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash

Acne

Erythema

Pruritus

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Arthralgia

Joint swelling

Tendonitis

Musculoskeletal pain

General disorders and administration site conditions

Oedema peripheral

Pyrexia

Fatigue

Investigations

Blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Blood creatinine increased

Blood cholesterol increased

Low density lipoprotein increased

Weight increased

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Ligament sprain

Muscle strain

*Spontaneous reporting data

**Venous thromboembolism includes PE, DVT, Retinal Venous Thrombosis, and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis

Description of selected adverse reactions

Venous thromboembolism

Rheumatoid arthritis

In a large (N=4,362), randomised post-authorisation safety study of rheumatoid arthritis patients who were 50 years of age and older and had at least one additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, VTE was observed at an increased and dose-dependent incidence in patients treated with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see section 5.1). The majority of these events were serious and some resulted in death. The incidence rates (95% CI) for PE for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 0.17 (0.08‑0.33), 0.50 (0.32‑0.74), and 0.06 (0.01‑0.17) patients with events per 100 patient‑years, respectively. Compared with TNF inhibitors, the hazard ratio (HR) for PE was 2.93 (0.79-10.83) and 8.26 (2.49, 27.43) for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily and tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, respectively (see section 5.1). In tofacitinib-treated patients where PE was observed, the majority (97%) had VTE risk factors.

Overall infections

Rheumatoid arthritis

In controlled phase 3 clinical studies, the rates of infections over 0-3 months in the 5 mg twice daily (total 616 patients) and 10 mg twice daily (total 642 patients) tofacitinib monotherapy groups were 16.2% (100 patients) and 17.9% (115 patients), respectively, compared to 18.9% (23 patients) in the placebo group (total 122 patients). In controlled phase 3 clinical studies with background DMARDs, the rates of infections over 0‑3 months in the 5 mg twice daily (total 973 patients) and 10 mg twice daily (total 969 patients) tofacitinib plus DMARD group were 21.3% (207 patients) and 21.8% (211 patients), respectively, compared to 18.4% (103 patients) in the placebo plus DMARD group (total 559 patients).

The most commonly reported infections were upper respiratory tract infections and nasopharyngitis (3.7% and 3.2%, respectively).

The overall incidence rate of infections with tofacitinib in the long-term safety all exposure population (total 4,867 patients) was 46.1 patients with events per 100 patient-years (43.8 and 47.2 patients with events for 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively). For patients (total 1,750) on monotherapy, the rates were 48.9 and 41.9 patients with events per 100 patient-years for 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. For patients (total 3,117) on background DMARDs, the rates were 41.0 and 50.3 patients with events per 100 patient-years for 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively.

Serious infections

Rheumatoid arthritis

In the 6-month and 24-month, controlled clinical studies, the rate of serious infections in the 5 mg twice daily tofacitinib monotherapy group was 1.7 patients with events per 100 patient-years. In the 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib monotherapy group the rate was 1.6 patients with events per 100 patient‑years, the rate was 0 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group, and the rate was 1.9 patients with events per 100 patient-years for the MTX group.

In studies of 6-, 12-, or 24-month duration, the rates of serious infections in the 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib plus DMARD groups were 3.6 and 3.4 patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 1.7 patients with events per 100 patient-years in the placebo plus DMARD group.

In the long-term safety all exposure population, the overall rates of serious infections were 2.4 and 3.0 patients with events per 100 patient-years for 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily tofacitinib groups, respectively. The most common serious infections included pneumonia, herpes zoster, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, gastroenteritis and diverticulitis. Cases of opportunistic infections have been reported (see section 4.4).

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a dose‑dependent increase in serious infections was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see section 4.4).

The incidence rates (95% CI) for serious infections for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 2.86 (2.41, 3.37), 3.64 (3.11, 4.23), and 2.44 (2.02, 2.92) patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Compared with TNF inhibitors, the hazard ratio (HR) for serious infections was 1.17 (0.92, 1.50) and 1.48 (1.17, 1.87) for tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily and tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, respectively.

Viral reactivation

Patients treated with tofacitinib who are Japanese or Korean, or patients with long standing RA who have previously received two or more biological DMARDs, or patients with an ALC less than 1,000 cells/mm3, or patients treated with 10 mg twice daily may have an increased risk of herpes zoster (see section 4.4).

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, an increase in herpes zoster events was observed in patients treated with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors. The incidence rates (95% CI) for herpes zoster for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 3.75 (3.22, 4.34), 3.94 (3.38, 4.57), and 1.18 (0.90, 1.52) patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

Laboratory tests

Lymphocytes

In the controlled RA clinical studies, confirmed decreases in ALC below 500 cells/mm3 occurred in 0.3% of patients and for ALC between 500 and 750 cells/mm3 in 1.9% of patients for the 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily doses combined.

In the RA long-term safety population, confirmed decreases in ALC below 500 cells/mm3 occurred in 1.3% of patients and for ALC between 500 and 750 cells/mm3 in 8.4% of patients for the 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily doses combined.

Confirmed ALC less than 750 cells/mm3 were associated with an increased incidence of serious infections (see section 4.4).

Neutrophils

In the controlled RA clinical studies, confirmed decreases in ANC below 1,000 cells/mm3 occurred in 0.08% of patients for the 5 mg twice daily and 10 mg twice daily doses combined. There were no confirmed decreases in ANC below 500 cells/mm3 observed in any treatment group. There was no clear relationship between neutropenia and the occurrence of serious infections.

In the RA long-term safety population, the pattern and incidence of confirmed decreases in ANC remained consistent with what was seen in the controlled clinical studies (see section 4.4).

Liver enzyme tests

Confirmed increases in liver enzymes greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (3x ULN) were uncommonly observed in RA patients. In those patients experiencing liver enzyme elevation, modification of treatment regimen, such as reduction in the dose of concomitant DMARD, interruption of tofacitinib, or reduction in tofacitinib dose, resulted in decrease or normalisation of liver enzymes.

In the controlled portion of the RA phase 3 monotherapy study (0-3 months) (study I, see section 5.1), ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 1.65%, 0.41%, and 0% of patients receiving placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. In this study, AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 1.65%, 0.41% and 0% of patients receiving placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively.

In the RA phase 3 monotherapy study (0-24 months) (study VI, see section 5.1), ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 7.1%, 3.0%, and 3.0% of patients receiving MTX, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. In this study, AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 3.3%, 1.6% and 1.5% of patients receiving MTX, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively.

In the controlled portion of the RA phase 3 studies on background DMARDs (0-3 months) (studies II‑V, see section 5.1), ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 0.9%, 1.24% and 1.14% of patients receiving placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. In these studies, AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 0.72%, 0.5% and 0.31% of patients receiving placebo, tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively.

In the RA long-term extension studies, on monotherapy, ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 1.1% and 1.4% of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in < 1.0% in both the tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily groups.

In the RA long-term extension studies, on background DMARDs, ALT elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in 1.8% and 1.6% of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily, respectively. AST elevations greater than 3x ULN were observed in < 1.0% in both the tofacitinib 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily groups.

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, ALT elevations greater than or equal to 3x ULN were observed in 6.01%, 6.54% and 3.77% of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors respectively. AST elevations greater than or equal to 3x ULN were observed in 3.21%, 4.57% and 2.38% of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors respectively.

Lipids

Elevations in lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) were first assessed at 1 month following initiation of tofacitinib in the controlled double-blind clinical studies of RA. Increases were observed at this time point and remained stable thereafter.

Changes in lipid parameters from baseline through the end of the study (6-24 months) in the controlled clinical studies in RA are summarised below:

• Mean LDL cholesterol increased by 15% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arm and 20% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily arm at month 12, and increased by 16% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arm and 19% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily arm at month 24.

• Mean HDL cholesterol increased by 17% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arm and 18% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily arm at month 12, and increased by 19% in the tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily arm and 20% in the tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily arm at month 24.

Upon withdrawal of tofacitinib treatment, lipid levels returned to baseline.

Mean LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)/ApoA1 ratios were essentially unchanged in tofacitinib-treated patients.

In an RA controlled clinical study, elevations in LDL cholesterol and ApoB decreased to pretreatment levels in response to statin therapy.

In the RA long-term safety populations, elevations in the lipid parameters remained consistent with what was seen in the controlled clinical studies.

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, changes in lipid parameters from baseline through 24 months are summarised below:

• Mean LDL cholesterol increased by 13.80%, 17.04%, and 5.50% in patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitor, respectively, at month 12. At month 24, the increase was 12.71%, 18.14%, and 3.64%, respectively,

• Mean HDL cholesterol increased by 11.71%, 13.63%, and 2.82% in patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitor, respectively, at month 12. At month 24, the increase was 11.58%, 13.54%, and 1.42%, respectively.

Myocardial infarction

Rheumatoid arthritis

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years of age or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, the incidence rates (95% CI) for non-fatal myocardial infarction for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 0.37 (0.22, 0.57), 0.33 (0.19, 0.53), and 0.16 (0.07, 0.31) patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Few fatal myocardial infarctions were reported with rates similar in patients treated with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). The study required at least 1500 patients to be followed for 3 years.

Malignancies excluding NMSC

Rheumatoid arthritis

In a large (N=4,362) randomised post-authorisation safety study in patients with RA who were 50 years of age or older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, the incidence rates (95% CI) for lung cancer for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 0.23 (0.12, 0.40), 0.32 (0.18, 0.51), and 0.13 (0.05, 0.26) patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively (see sections 4.4 and 5.1). The study required at least 1500 patients to be followed for 3 years.

The incidence rates (95% CI) for lymphoma for tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily, tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily, and TNF inhibitors were 0.07 (0.02, 0.18), 0.11 (0.04, 0.24), and 0.02 (0.00, 0.10) patients with events per 100 patient-years, respectively (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

Paediatric population

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile PsA

The adverse reactions in JIA patients in the clinical development program were consistent in type and frequency with those seen in adult RA patients, with the exception of some infections (influenza, pharyngitis, sinusitis, viral infection) and gastrointestinal or general disorders (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pyrexia, headache, cough), which were more common in JIA paediatric population. MTX was the most frequent concomitant csDMARD used (on Day 1, 156 of 157 patients on csDMARDs took MTX). There are insufficient data regarding the safety profile of tofacitinib used concomitantly with any other csDMARDs.

Infections

In the double-blind portion of the pivotal Phase 3 trial (Study JIA-I), infection was the most commonly reported adverse reaction (44.3%). The infections were generally mild to moderate in severity.

In the integrated safety population, 7 patients had serious infections during treatment with tofacitinib within the reporting period (up to 28 days after the last dose of study medication), representing an incidence rate of 1.92 patients with events per 100 patient-years: pneumonia, epidural empyema (with sinusitis and subperiosteal abscess), pilonidal cyst, appendicitis, escherichia pyelonephritis, abscess limb, and UTI.

In the integrated safety population, 3 patients had non-serious events of herpes zoster within the reporting window representing an incidence rate of 0.82 patients with events per 100 patient-years. One (1) additional patient had an event of serious HZ outside the reporting window.

Hepatic events

Patients in the JIA pivotal study were required to have AST and ALT levels less than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal to be eligible for enrolment. In the integrated safety population, there were 2 patients with ALT elevations ≥3 times the ULN at 2 consecutive visits. Neither event met Hy's Law criteria. Both patients were on background MTX therapy and each event resolved after discontinuation of MTX and permanent discontinuation of tofacitinib.

Laboratory tests

Changes in laboratory tests in JIA patients in the clinical development program were consistent with those seen in adult RA patients. Patients in the JIA pivotal study were required to have a platelet count ≥100,000 cells/mm3 to be eligible for enrolment, therefore, there is no information available for JIA patients with a platelet count <100,000 cells/mm3 before starting treatment with tofacitinib.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. There is no specific antidote for overdose with tofacitinib. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.

Pharmacokinetic data up to and including a single dose of 100 mg in healthy volunteers indicate that more than 95% of the administered dose is expected to be eliminated within 24 hours.