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Biologic therapies such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors usually are prescribed by subspecialists, but generalists should be aware of their potential adverse effects. In this industry-sponsored randomized trial, researchers focused on adverse effects of the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib (Xeljanz), which is U.S. FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis.
About 4400 patients (age, ≥50) with active rheumatoid arthritis received tofacitinib (either 5 or 10 mg twice daily) or a TNF inhibitor. During average follow-up of 4 years, these findings were noted:
Risk for major adverse cardiovascular events was greater with the combined tofacitinib doses …