Dosage form:

Tablet 2 mg , 4 mg

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• It is used in certain people to treat COVID-19.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or  substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have an infection or a low white blood cell count.
• If you have active TB (tuberculosis).
• If you have anemia.
• If you have any of these health problems: Kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, azathioprine, certolizumab, cyclosporine, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, probenecid, rituximab, ruxolitinib, sarilumab, tofacitinib, or tocilizumab.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Some viral infections like herpes zoster have become active again with this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a viral infection like herpes zoster. Talk with your doctor.
• Hepatitis B or C testing may be done. A hepatitis B or C infection may get worse while taking this drug.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This drug may cause high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to have your skin checked while you take this drug. Talk with your doctor. This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
• Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before treatment with this drug.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a severe side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Change in color or size of a mole.
• A skin lump or growth.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a swollen gland, night sweats, shortness of breath, or weight loss without trying.
• Tears in the stomach or bowel wall have happened in certain people taking this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have swelling or pain in your stomach that is severe, gets worse, or does not go away. Call your doctor right away if you throw up blood or have throw up that looks like coffee grounds; upset stomach or throwing up that does not go away; or black, tarry, or bloody stools.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Signs of a common cold.
• Upset stomach.
• Cold sores.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food.
• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• If you have trouble swallowing this drug whole, talk with your doctor. There may be other ways to take this drug.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.