The TGA has issued a safety warning over Janus kinase inhibitor use in high-risk patients with chronic inflammatory conditions after a post-market study showed an increased risk of death, cancer and MI. 

Over-65s with a history of smoking or increased risk of major cardiovascular problems or cancer are now advised against using the drug class “unless there are no suitable treatment alternatives” for their condition. 

These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis and atopic dermatitis.

Patients who already take a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and meet the TGA’s risk criteria have been urged to discuss their treatment options with their prescribing doctor before stopping treatment.