Response to pneumococcal vaccine may be diminished in patients taking the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib, especially if they are on methotrexate.

In two studies researchers from Portland found that tofacitinib diminished PPSV-23 immunogenicity to a similar extent as methotrexate, particularly when the drugs were taken together.

Writing in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases they say clinicians should consider offering PPSV-23 prior to starting either of these therapies.

Temporary discontinuation of the JAK inhibitor had little effect on response to the vaccine, results showed.

Patients in both studies had a satisfactory response to the influenza vaccine, they said.