NICE recommends Xeljanz for juvenile psoriatic arthritis.

[Fred]

NICE the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence UK recommends Xeljanz (tofacitinib) for juvenile psoriatic arthritis.

Quote:

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NICE has published final draft guidance which recommends tofacitinib (also known as Xeljanz) as an option for treating juvenile psoriatic arthritis in people 2 years and older.

The treatment is available for young people whose arthritis has not responded well enough to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and only if:

• A tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitor is not suitable or does not control the condition well enough.   
  
• The company provides tofacitinib according to the commercial arrangement.
  

Clinical evidence shows that tofacitinib is effective when compared with a placebo and indirect comparisons suggest it has a similar effect to other treatments for the same indication.

Active polyarticular juvenile arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis are types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that begins in people under 16 years of age where the cause or trigger is uncertain or unknown. In total about 3,000 in England have juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

There are more than 1,000 people in England who would be eligible for treatment with tofacitinib.

Source: nice.org.uk

[Caroline]

Xeljanz is risky for people with a tendency of blood cloths as I remember from a message from EMA. But the target group probably does not suffer from that.

[Fred]

Xeljanz is risky for people with a tendency of blood cloths as I remember from a message from EMA. But the target group probably does not suffer from that.

Xeljanz and venous thromboembolism

I think it's a bit risky for children and I was suberised to see it can be used on 2 year olds

[Caroline]

Xeljanz is risky for people with a tendency of blood cloths as I remember from a message from EMA. But the target group probably does not suffer from that.

Xeljanz and venous thromboembolism

I think it's a bit risky for children and I was suberised to see it can be used on 2 year olds 

I would indeed be very hesitatious for my kid…. That young and then already biologicals, on the other hand if your kid is very sick, you also would be very eager to help him.

[KatT]

Risk vs benefits.  Having arthritis is difficult but having it as such a young age is horrible 

[Fred]

Risk vs benefits.  Having arthritis is difficult but having it as such a young age is horrible 

Good point but 2 years old is bit early in my opinion for something so new.

[KatT]

As per the article, they need to start with DMARDs, then TNF.  Therefore wouldn't go on Xeljanz right away.

It's great that they now have an extra option 

Having to take any of these meds at that age is horrible 

Difficult and scary decision for the parents!