I was prescribed Tofacitinib after exhausting quite a few biologics first; Certolizumab, Etanercept, Tocilizumab and Rixtuximab, are some of the ones I remember!
I must admit I was a bit dubious about taking Tofacitinib at first, especially as it was a newly licensed drug and my consultant, rather than in his usual enthusiastic, persuasive style, was more reserved and gave me the choice to go away and "think about it" first before committing. However, I'm pleased to say that Tofacitinib does seem to be working rather well.
I've only been on it for about 3 months, but there has been a visible improvement. The inflammation has subsided in my joints to such a degree that I can now clearly see my wrist bones and knee caps for the first time in a long time!
It comes in tablet form, as opposed to injections, so no stabbing yourself with a needle every week. I take 2 tablets a day, 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. Sulfasalazine was stopped when I started Tofacitinib, I now only take Hydroxychloroquine daily, Methotrexate weekly and Naproxen whenever necessary.
It's by no means a perfect drug and it's obviously not a cure, I still get flare ups, but so far, they have been less severe and not as prolonged as previous ones. I do suffer from fatigue more than before, but when your body is essentially at " civil war" then I suppose, it's only to be expected.
I have just had my 3 month review with my RA consultant, he is happy with my blood test results and for me to carry on taking the drug.
I only wish I had been prescribed it a few years ago, then maybe I wouldn't be forced to take ill health retirement in April this year.
3 months after toe fusion and shortening op
Toe update #3
What happens if you fail Xeljanz 
