SEARCH
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved new drug Tofacitinib for adults with Ulcerative Colitis.
Tofacitinib: New oral drug for Ulcerative Colitis
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.
“”
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!
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.
Read our latest news
Catch up on the latest news from Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
Stay in the loop
Together, we’re making the greatest difference. Sign up to hear about the amazing things we’re achieving together.
© Crohn's & Colitis UK