Arthanib 5mg Tablet

Composition of Arthanib 5mg Tablet

Tofacitinib

How does Arthanib 5mg Tablet work?

Arthanib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that blocks the action of the enzyme Janus kinase. This inhibition reduces inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects of Arthanib 5mg Tablet

Common Side Effects:

• Throat and nose infections, nausea, viral infections.
• Cold sores, feeling sick, symptoms of a cold (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat).

Serious Side Effects (Seek Urgent Medical Attention):

• Blood clots, tears in the stomach or intestine wall.

Quick Suggestions:

• It may take 3 to 6 months to feel the maximum effect of this medication.
• Regular blood tests may be conducted to monitor liver function, kidney function, blood counts, or cholesterol levels.
• Tofacitinib can make it a bit harder for people to fight off infections.
• Inform your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches.
• A TB (tuberculosis) skin test and a chest X-ray may be done before starting treatment with this medication.

Indications:

• Used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
• Reduces pain, tenderness, and swelling in joints by decreasing inflammation.
• Slows the progression of bone and joint damage.

Pharmacology

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, is characterized by the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL7, IL15, IL21, IL6, IFN-alpha, and IFN-beta. These cytokines signal through the Janus kinase (JAK) pathway, leading to tissue inflammation and joint damage by stimulating the recruitment and activation of immune cells.

Arthanib 5 mg, as a Partial and Reversible JAK Inhibitor:

• Arthanib 5 mg is a partial and reversible Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.
• It acts by preventing the body from responding to cytokine signals.
• Inhibiting JAKs, Arthanib 5 mg hinders the phosphorylation and activation of STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription).

Role of JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway:

• The JAK-STAT signaling pathway is crucial in regulating the transcription of cells involved in hematopoiesis and immune cell function.
• By inhibiting this pathway, Arthanib 5 mg decreases the inflammatory response, playing a therapeutic role in rheumatoid arthritis.

Other Pathways and Efficacy:

• Although the primary mode of action is the inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway, evidence suggests that Arthanib 5 mg may also achieve efficacy through alternative pathways.
• This multifaceted action may contribute to the drug's effectiveness in managing rheumatoid arthritis.

In summary, Arthanib 5 mg's pharmacological action involves inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, thereby reducing the inflammatory response associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The drug's partial and reversible JAK inhibition may also impact other pathways, enhancing its therapeutic effects.

Dosage & Administration:

Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Indication: Second-line treatment for moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis in patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
• Usage: May be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate or other nonbiologic DMARDs.
• Recommended Dose: 5 mg twice daily.

Dosage Adjustment for Hepatic Impairment:

• Mild Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.
• Moderate Hepatic Impairment: Not to exceed 5 mg once daily.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended.

Child Dose:

• Safety and efficacy not established for children.

Dosage Adjustment for Renal Impairment:

• Mild Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is required.
• Moderate-to-severe Renal Impairment: Not to exceed 5 mg once daily.

Arthanib may be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at a fixed time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing or breaking.

Interaction

Antibiotics:

• Rifampicin (used in treating bacterial infections)
• Interaction Alert: Potential interactions with rifampicin. Discuss with your doctor to adjust the medication regimen accordingly.

Antifungals:

• Fluconazole, ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• Interaction Alert: Caution is advised due to potential interactions. Your doctor may need to monitor and adjust the doses appropriately.

Immunosuppressive Medications:

• Azathioprine, mercaptopurine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus (medicines that depress the immune system)
• Interaction Alert: Arthanib 5mg Tablet, being an immunosuppressant, may have additive effects when combined with these medications. Close monitoring is crucial.

Corticosteroids:

• Prednisone (used in treating pain and inflammation)
• Interaction Alert: Combined use with corticosteroids might potentiate immunosuppressive effects. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and monitor for potential side effects.

Before taking Arthanib 5mg Tablet, it is essential to inform your physician about any ongoing medications, as interactions can occur.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Arthanib 5 mg should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.It is not known whether Arthanib 5 mg is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Arthanib 5 mg, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother

Precautions & Warnings

• Blood tests may be required before initiation.
• Avoid if there is any ongoing infection.
• Discuss with the doctor before starting if there's a history of tuberculosis, shingles, kidney or liver disease, hepatitis B or C, or blood clots.
• Not suitable for children under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Increases susceptibility to infections; avoid contact with individuals having contagious diseases (chickenpox, measles, flu).

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C. Protect from light & moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.