Everything You Need to Know About Xeljanz

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are medications that you need a prescription for. They are known as brand-name drugs. These medications are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in adults who have specific health conditions:

•Ulcerative colitis (UC) •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

For children aged 2 years and older, Xeljanz is also approved to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

People take Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR when they have tried other medicines that didn't work well for them or caused unwanted side effects. However, it's important to know that these medications have their limitations too.

Different Forms of Xeljanz

Xeljanz is available in two different forms:

•Xeljanz (immediate release): This form releases the medication into your body all at once right after you take it. It comes in oral tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg, as well as an oral solution where 1 mg equals one milliliter.

•Xeljanz XR (extended release): With this form, the medication is released slowly into your body over time after you take it. It's available as oral tablets of 11 mg and 22 mg.

Drug Details

Xeljanz contains a drug called tofacitinib, which belongs to a class of medications known as Janus kinase inhibitors. These drugs work by reducing inflammation in your body.

You take Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR by mouth, either once or twice a day depending on what your doctor prescribes for you.

Side Effects of Xeljanz

Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR can cause side effects, some of which can be mild while others might be serious. Here are some of the more common side effects that people might experience while taking either of these medications:

•Diarrhea •Headache •Upper respiratory infections, which are like the common cold •Rash •Increased levels of cholesterol in your blood •High blood pressure

Most of these side effects will go away on their own within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they don't go away or if they become more severe, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do.

Uses of Xeljanz

The FDA approves prescription drugs like Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR to treat specific medical conditions. Doctors might also prescribe these drugs for conditions that aren't officially approved by the FDA, which is known as "off-label" use.

Xeljanz for Ulcerative Colitis

For adults who have moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), both Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are approved by the FDA. These drugs are used when other medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors didn't help enough or caused unwanted side effects.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition where the lining of your colon (large intestine) or rectum is inflamed. This long-term condition can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stools.

It's important not to use Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR together with certain other drugs for UC. Some examples of these drugs include infliximab (Remicade), azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine (Neoral).

Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In adults who have moderately or severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are FDA-approved. Doctors might prescribe these drugs when TNF inhibitors haven't worked well enough or have caused unwanted side effects.

RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to pain and swelling in your joints. Over time, it can cause damage to your joints.

Just like with UC, it's important not to use Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR together with certain other drugs for RA. Some examples include infliximab (Remicade), azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine (Neoral).

Effectiveness for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have shown that tofacitinib, which is the active ingredient in Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, is effective in treating RA. It's recommended in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology.

Xeljanz for Psoriatic Arthritis

For adults who have active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), both Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are approved by the FDA. These drugs are used when TNF inhibitors haven't worked well enough or have caused unwanted side effects.

PsA is a long-term autoimmune condition where people have symptoms of arthritis (like sore and swollen joints) as well as symptoms of psoriasis (like red and scaly patches on the skin).

As with UC and RA, it's important not to use Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR together with certain other drugs for PsA.

Effectiveness for Psoriatic Arthritis

Research has shown that tofacitinib, the active drug in Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, is effective in treating PsA. This is supported by treatment guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology.

Xeljanz for Ankylosing Spondylitis

For adults who have active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), both Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are approved by the FDA. These drugs are used when TNF inhibitors haven't worked well enough or have caused unwanted side effects.

AS is a form of arthritis where the ligaments and tendons that attach to your spine become inflamed. This can lead to pain and stiffness in your spine and back.

Just like with the other conditions mentioned, it's important not to use Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR together with certain other drugs for AS.

Effectiveness for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Research and guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology suggest that tofacitinib, the active drug in Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, is effective in treating AS.

This overview covers what Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are, how they work, their forms, effectiveness, potential side effects, and their approved uses for different health conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and information about these medications.