Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study is to show the efficacy and side effects of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 66 Patients who were followed up in the rheumatology outpatient clinic, were older than 18 years, and used tofacitinib for at least three months were included. Blood count, liver transaminase levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined before and at the third and sixth months of the tofacitinib treatment. Before and after treatment, DAS 28-ESR, morning stiffness duration, and VAS score were also calculated Results: The mean age was 54.7±12.0 years, and 84.8% were women. The mean duration of tofacitinib use was 19.0±13.5 months. Duration of morning stiffness, VAS and DAS 28-ESR scores decreased significantly after tofacitinib (p<0.001). The leukocyte count after treatment also decreased significantly compared to before treatment. Side effects related to tofacitinib were seen in 33.3% of the patients. Rash, cough, and nausea were the most common side effects. Tofacitinib-associated Herpes Zoster infections were seen in 13.6% of the patients. Tofacitinib treatment was discontinued in 48.5% of patients due to adverse effects, drug ineffectiveness, and disease activation. Conclusion: There was statistically significant decrease in RA disease activity with tofacitinib treatment. It was noteworthy that 33.3% of the patients developed adverse effects and 48.5% developed a condition requiring discontinuation of tofacitinib treatment.