LuciTofa 5mg, Tofacitinib Tablet
LuciTofa 5mg is a branded pharmaceutical product containing Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Its main application is in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Tofacitinib offers a novel, targeted approach to suppress overactive immune responses, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
What is LuciTofa 5mg (Tofacitinib)?
A small molecule inhibitor that is a member of the JAK inhibitor class is tofacitinib. It modulates immune activity at the cellular level, making it especially useful in treating autoimmune diseases. LuciTofa 5mg is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment to reduce inflammation, joint damage, and disease symptoms.
How it Works / Mechanism of Action
Tofacitinib works by selectively inhibiting Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes, specifically JAK1 and JAK3. These enzymes are involved in the signaling pathways that activate immune cell functions. The body’s immune system overreacts in autoimmune illnesses, attacking healthy tissues by mistake.
Tofacitinib interrupts the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, thereby:
- Reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- reducing the anti-inflammatory immune cells’ function.
- Suppressing the autoimmune response in joints and other tissues.
- This leads to reduced inflammation, less tissue damage, and symptom relief.
How to Use / Indications
LuciTofa 5mg is indicated for use in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – in adults who have not responded well to methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) – for adults with active disease and inadequate response to traditional therapies.
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC) – moderate to severe active cases where other treatments have failed.
- Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – in pediatric patients over 2 years old (special pediatric formulation required).
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – in adults when other biologics have failed (approved in some countries).
How to Take / Dosage
Adult Dosage:
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriatic Arthritis: 5 mg twice daily (or 11 mg once daily of extended-release formulation).
- For eight weeks, use 10 mg twice a day for ulcerative colitis (induction phase).
- Ulcerative Colitis (Maintenance Phase): 5 mg twice daily.
- LuciTofa should ideally be taken at the same times every day, whether or not you are eating. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Other Dosage Forms
In addition to the 5 mg tablet:
- Extended-release tablets (11 mg once daily).
- Pediatric formulation (oral solution) for use in children.
- Adjustments are required in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or those at risk of adverse effects.
Side Effects
Like all medications, LuciTofa may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common and serious side effects include:
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
- Hypertension
- Increased cholesterol levels
Serious Side Effects:
- Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, shingles)
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
- Liver enzyme elevation
- Risk of cancer (such as lung cancer and lymphoma, particularly among smokers)
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Reactivation of hepatitis B or herpes zoster
- Particularly in the first several months of treatment, patients should be regularly watched.
Storage
- Store LuciTofa 5mg at room temperature (15°C to 30°C).
- The drug should be kept out of direct sunlight and moisture in its original container.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Benefits
LuciTofa 5mg offers several benefits:
- Convenient oral formulation, unlike many injectable biologics.
- Rapid improvement in inflammation and joint symptoms.
- Helps maintain long-term disease remission.
- Improves quality of life and functionality.
- Ideal for patients who have not responded to biologic DMARDs or who are intolerant to them.
Prescription
LuciTofa 5mg is a prescription-only medicine (Rx). A gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, or other qualified professional should prescribe and oversee it. Regular lab tests are required during treatment, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Liver function tests
- Lipid profile
- Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis before initiation
Drug Interactions
Tofacitinib interacts with various other medications:
CYP3A4 & CYP2C19 inhibitors:
For example, fluconazole or ketoconazole → may raise levels of tofacitinib.
CYP3A4 inducers:
e.g., rifampin → may reduce effectiveness.
Immunosuppressants:
Concomitant use with biologic DMARDs or strong immunosuppressants like azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended due to increased risk of infection.
Live vaccines:
Should be avoided during treatment.
Always inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are using.
FAQs
Can LuciTofa cure rheumatoid arthritis?
No, it does not cure RA but helps manage symptoms and slows disease progression.
How long does it take to work?
Many patients notice improvement in symptoms within 2–4 weeks.
Do I need regular tests?
Yes. CBC, liver enzymes, and cholesterol should be checked regularly.
Conclusion
LuciTofa 5mg (Tofacitinib) is a highly effective oral JAK inhibitor for treating chronic autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. It offers convenience over injectable biologics but requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects, especially infections and blood abnormalities. Its targeted mechanism allows better control over disease symptoms and progression, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Always use under the guidance of a healthcare provider, with appropriate screening and follow-up to ensure safe and effective treatment.
