Lab Abnormalities in Patients using Tofacitinib?

How common are lab abnormalities in alopecia areata patients using tofacitinb?

Tofacitinib belongs to a group of medications known as JAK inhibitors. Side effects are possible with tofacitinb including changes in blood test results. Changes in liver enzymes, cholesterol, creatinine kinase, kidney function, blood counts are well known.

I’m often asked how common these changes occur. The most common changes we see are increased total cholesterol triglycerides and LDL. Increased total cholesterol occurs in about one half of our patients and increased LDL and trigylcerides in one-third. Other changes are less common. Increased liver enzymes at significant levels (more than 2 times) occurs in 1-2 % and a similar percent experience changes in blood counts.  About 1 % of patients have significant elevations in creatinine (kidney function) that may require dose reduction or further investigation.