American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is the FDA-approved use of tofacitinib?

Treatment of severe psoriatic arthritis
Treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

The correct answer is: Treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that has been specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The drug works by interfering with the signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, thereby reducing symptoms and preventing further joint damage. While tofacitinib has been studied for other indications, such as psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis, its primary and FDA-approved use remains for rheumatoid arthritis. This specificity in approval stems from extensive clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy for managing this particular condition, making it a key treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded adequately to traditional therapies.