What is Tofashine XR 11?
Tofashine XR 11 is a specific brand of the active pharmaceutical ingredient tofacitinib, formulated as an 11mg extended-release tablet. While Tofashine is a brand name available in certain regions, the same active ingredient and dosage are sold under the brand name Xeljanz XR in the United States and other markets. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is used to manage and treat several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where a patient's immune system has become overactive and attacks healthy tissues.
Unlike traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that have a broader suppressive effect on the immune system, JAK inhibitors offer a more targeted approach. For many patients with chronic inflammatory conditions, Tofashine XR 11 provides a convenient once-daily dosing regimen, which can significantly improve medication adherence and overall quality of life.
Therapeutic uses of Tofashine XR 11
Rheumatoid Arthritis
For adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Tofashine XR 11 is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This medication helps to decrease the inflammation, which can slow the progression of joint damage and improve physical function. It is often prescribed when a patient has not achieved a sufficient response from other treatments, such as methotrexate or TNF blockers.
Psoriatic Arthritis
In cases of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Tofashine XR 11 can be used alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs like methotrexate. PsA is a form of arthritis that affects some individuals with psoriasis. The medication helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, offering relief from the symptoms that can flare and subside. It also helps prevent the progression of bone and joint damage, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.
Ulcerative Colitis
Adults suffering from moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may be prescribed Tofashine XR 11. UC is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Tofashine XR 11 helps to relieve the associated symptoms, such as frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding, and can help prevent them from recurring. The dosage for UC typically involves an initial higher dosage for a period before reducing to a maintenance dosage.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is another condition treated with Tofashine XR 11. AS is a rare form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and larger joints. By reducing inflammation, the medication helps to decrease pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints, including those in the spine. This can improve overall flexibility and mobility for patients.
How Tofashine XR 11 works
As a Janus kinase inhibitor, Tofashine XR 11 works by interrupting specific signaling pathways inside the cell. Cytokines, which are small proteins involved in cell signaling, play a significant role in triggering the inflammatory response in autoimmune diseases.
- Receptor Binding: Cytokines bind to receptors on the surface of immune cells.
- JAK Activation: This binding activates associated Janus kinase enzymes within the cell.
- Pathway Interruption: Tofacitinib blocks the activity of these JAK enzymes (specifically JAK1 and JAK3).
- Inhibition of Signaling: By inhibiting JAKs, the medication prevents the downstream signaling that would normally lead to the production of more inflammatory cytokines.
- Reduced Inflammation: The overall result is a decrease in immune system activity and the associated inflammation that causes the pain, swelling, and damage characteristic of these diseases.
Dosage and administration
For most conditions, Tofashine XR 11 is an 11mg extended-release tablet taken orally once a day. For ulcerative colitis, an initial higher dosage may be used for a period. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not be crushed, chewed, or split, as this would interfere with its extended-release properties. Tofashine XR 11 can be taken with or without food. It is crucial to take the medication at approximately the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the body.
Important safety considerations
Because Tofashine XR 11 functions as an immunosuppressant, it carries important safety warnings. Patients must be carefully monitored by their healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat)
Serious Risks
- Serious Infections: Taking Tofashine XR 11 can increase the risk of serious, sometimes fatal, infections, including tuberculosis (TB), shingles, and other fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. Patients should be tested for TB before starting therapy and monitored for any signs of infection.
- Cardiovascular Events: Studies have linked tofacitinib with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots, particularly in older patients with existing cardiovascular risk factors.
- Cancer: There is an increased risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma and lung cancer, observed in patients treated with Tofacitinib.
- Blood Disorders: The medication can cause changes in blood cell counts, including a decrease in lymphocytes, neutrophils, and red blood cells (anemia).
Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to monitor these risks. You should also avoid certain live vaccines while on this medication. For more detailed information on side effects and warnings, consult authoritative medical sources like the Mayo Clinic.
Tofashine XR 11 vs. Standard Tofacitinib
| Feature | Tofashine XR 11 (Extended-Release) | Tofacitinib (Standard/Immediate-Release) |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing Frequency | Once a day | Twice a day |
| Release Mechanism | Designed to release the medication slowly over time | Releases medication immediately for quicker action |
| Tablet Appearance | The outer shell may sometimes be visible in the stool, as it passes through the digestive system after the medication has been absorbed. | Normal tablet, no shell visible in stool. |
| Typical Use | Convenient once-daily dosing for long-term maintenance therapy in RA, PsA, AS, and UC. | Twice-daily dosing, often used for induction therapy in UC and in RA, PsA, and AS maintenance. |
Conclusion
Tofashine XR 11 is a potent medication used to treat several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. As a JAK inhibitor, it targets specific pathways to control the immune response and reduce inflammation. While effective for patients who have not responded to other therapies, it also comes with significant safety risks, most notably regarding serious infections, cardiovascular events, and certain cancers. Therefore, it is essential that patients use this medication only under strict medical supervision and maintain regular monitoring. A healthcare provider can determine if Tofashine XR 11 is the right treatment option and guide its safe use.
