The Importance of Optimizing Statin Use in Patients on Tofacitinib

Research presented highlighted the underutilization of statins among rheumatoid arthritis patients taking tofacitinib, particularly those with a history of cardiovascular disease. Among patients identified with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, only half were on a statin, with a mere 14% on high-intensity therapy. Notably, the analysis showed that those patients on a statin had similar major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as those on adalimumab, indicating that proper management of comorbidities could mitigate risks associated with tofacitinib. This emphasizes the need for rheumatologists to prioritize cardiovascular risk assessments and therapy optimization to enhance patient safety and efficacy of treatments.