We work with people living with Crohn's and Colitis to get new drugs approved, and we welcome this new treatment option for people with Colitis where other treatment has stopped working.
Tofacitinib provides new hope for people with Colitis for whom biological therapy, such as infliximab or adalimumab has failed, or for people who want to avoid surgery.
As part of the NICE Appraisal Committee approval process, we gave evidence including powerful testimonials from people living with Colitis who had taken part in the tofacitinib clinical trials.
I had multiple failed attempts at other medication over two years which affected my studies, work and social life, before joining the trial for tofacitinib. I was on this treatment successfully for two and a half years during which time I completed my studies and qualified as an adult nurse. I felt better than I had in years.
Lottie Hughes
Patient expert
By the time I was offered this trial, I was desperate to find anything that could give me back some quality of life. I can honestly say that tofacitinib has totally changed my life, it is like I am a completely new person, and I have now been in remission for over three years!
Shirley Leather
Patient expert
The choice of treatment between tofacitinib, biological drugs and surgery should be made on an individual basis after talking with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of the options. The drug will be made available on the NHS by early 2019.
In Northern Ireland, NICE guidance is subject to a local review process, which begins once NICE have issued their final guidance.
In Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium aproved tofacitinib for Colitis in February 2019. Read more.
- Find out how to understand and manage your symptoms on the support for you section on our website.
- We provide information about drug treatment and care options, and we will have a leaflet on tofacitinib available in 2019. Have a look at our other publications.
