The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday warned that early results from a safety trial on Pfizer’s arthritis and colitis drug, tofacitinib, revealed an increased risk of heart issues and cancer when compared to another medicine.
The drug, marketed under Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR, was tested against an arthritis drug called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. The FDA is still waiting for more information on blood clots and death.
“Patients should not stop taking tofacitinib without first consulting with your health care professionals, as doing so may worsen your condition. Talk to your health care professionals if you have any questions or concerns,” the FDA said in a statement posted Thursday.
