ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's used when other treatments haven't worked.
What it's used for
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
How to take it
- Take it as prescribed with or without food.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Colds
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Higher cholesterol
Call your provider todayFever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
Call 911Chest pain or signs of a stroke
Call your provider todayPain or swelling in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath
Warnings
- Boxed warnings: serious infections, death, cancers, heart attacks and strokes, and blood clots, especially in people over 50 with heart risks or who smoke.
- You'll be tested for TB and hepatitis B before starting. Avoid live vaccines.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Strong CYP3A4 drugs change its level.
- Don't combine with biologics.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Tofacitinib (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.