EMA PRAC recommends Xeljanz used with caution in patients at high risk of blood clots.- Pfizer

A review by EMA�s safety committee (PRAC) has concluded that Xeljanz (tofacitinib), from Pfizer, could increase the risk of blood clots in the lungs and in deep veins in patients who are already at high risk. As a result, the PRAC is recommending that Xeljanz should be used with caution in patients at high risk of blood clots. In addition, the maintenance doses of 10 mg twice daily should not be used in patients with ulcerative colitis who are at high risk unless there is no suitable alternative treatment. Further, the PRAC is recommending that patients older than 65 years of age should be treated with Xeljanz only when there is no alternative treatment.

Patients at high risk of blood clots include those who have had a heart attack or have heart failure, cancer, inherited blood clotting disorders or a history of blood clots, as well as patients who take combined hormonal contraceptives, are receiving hormone replacement therapy, are undergoing major surgery or are immobile. Doctors should also consider other factors that may increase the risk of blood clots including age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension or smoking. These recommendations follow the PRAC�s review of an ongoing study (study A3921133) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study showed an increased risk of blood clots in deep veins and in the lungs with both the 5 mg and 10 mg twice daily doses of Xeljanz as compared with patients taking TNF-inhibitors.

The PRAC also re-assessed additional data from earlier studies. All data combined showed that the risk of blood clots was higher in patients taking Xeljanz, especially with the 10 mg twice daily dose and in those being treated for an extended period. Results also showed a further increased risk of serious and fatal infections in patients older than 65 years of age. The product information for Xeljanz will now be updated with new warnings and recommendations based on data from the study and will list blood clots as an uncommon side effect occurring in between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 100 patients. The PRAC�s recommendations will now be sent to the EMA�s human medicines committee (CHMP), which will adopt the Agency�s final opinion.