Safety of arthritis drug under scrutiny after blood clots reported

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is advising prescribers not to exceed the recommended dose of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) when treating RA after early results from an ongoing trial showed an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and all-cause mortality when the normal dose was doubled.

by Lisa Lytle
Patients receiving tofacitinib for any indication should be monitored for signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. | James Cavallini/Science Source/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Patients receiving tofacitinib for any indication should be monitored for signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism. | James Cavallini/Science Source/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

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