Medicine
Viral Reactivation Risk from JAK Inhibitors in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Quick fact
In clinical trials, the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) is roughly doubled with tofacitinib compared with placebo or TNF inhibitors, and the risk appears to increase with age and higher drug dose.
Why this is interesting
You might know that rheumatoid arthritis is treated by calming an overactive immune system. But what if the very drug that soothes your joints also switches on a dormant virus that most of us carry—and usually keep in check?