Tofacitinib safety warning

Consumers and health professionals are advised that the TGA is closely monitoring a safety issue relating to tofacitinib, which is marketed in Australia under the brand name Xeljanz.

The sponsor, Pfizer Australia, is writing to doctors to advise that a clinical trial has found an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and overall mortality when a 10 mg twice daily dose of tofacitinib is used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (compared to trial participants taking a 5 mg twice daily dose).

Patients participating in the study are being transitioned to a 5 mg twice daily dose.

The study was designed to assess the risk of cardiovascular events (for example, heart attack, coronary artery disease, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms) in patients aged at least 50 years who had at least one other cardiovascular risk factor. All participants who entered the study had previously been treated with methotrexate.

The increased risk of blood clots in the lungs and overall mortality identified in this study has not been identified in other clinical trials or routine monitoring of post-market safety data, such as adverse event reports.

Please note that a 10 mg twice daily dose is not approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Australia. However, that dose is approved in Australia for the initial and short-term treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

It is not recommended as a first-line treatment, meaning it is approved for use in ulcerative colitis patients for whom other treatments are not appropriate, have not worked, or have lost effectiveness.

Pfizer Australia is continuing to work with regulatory agencies, including the TGA, to investigate this issue.

Information for health professionals

If you are treating patients who are taking tofacitinib, please be aware of this issue.

You should refer to and follow the recommendations outlined in the PI in relation to the specific conditions for which tofacitinib is being used.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism and advise them to seek medical attention immediately if they experience them.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, contact Pfizer Australia on 1800 675 229.