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What is Xeljanz
TofacitinibThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTofacitinib is a medication used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking certain enzymes in the body that can cause inflammation. It is often prescribed when other treatments, such as methotrexate, are not effective. It has also been studied for the prevention of organ transplant rejection and is being investigated for the treatment of psoriasis. Common side effects include nausea and headache, but more serious immunological and hematological side effects can occur. Tofacitinib is sold by Pfizer under the brand name Xeljanz.
Xeljanzis the brand name
Xeljanz Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Xeljanz
Tofacitinib
2012
9
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Tofacitinib, also known as Xeljanz, is approved by the FDA for 8 uses which include methotrexate and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors .methotrexate
Helps manage Insufficient Response to Methotrexate
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Helps manage Inadequate response or intolerance to TNF blockers
inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
Helps manage inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage moderate Rheumatoid arthritis
Intolerant to Methotrexate
Helps manage Intolerant to Methotrexate
Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Helps manage Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage severe Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Helps manage Psoriatic Arthritis
Effectiveness
How Xeljanz Affects PatientsTofacitinib helps reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In trials with people taking either 5mg or 10mg of tofacitinib twice daily, some patients felt less joint pain, arthritis pain, and disability within two weeks. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and upper respiratory infections. More serious side effects may include a decrease in white blood cells, anemia, and a higher risk of cancer and infection. Before starting tofacitinib, patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis infections. It should not be used if there is an active infection, and should be stopped if a
How Xeljanz works in the bodyRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease caused by the body's abnormal production of certain proteins called cytokines. These proteins lead to inflammation and damage to bones and joints. Tofacitinib is a drug that helps treat this condition by blocking a signaling pathway called the JAK-STAT pathway. This pathway is responsible for activating cells involved in immune cell function. By blocking this pathway, tofacitinib reduces the inflammatory response and helps reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, there may be other pathways through which tofacitinib works to treat this condition.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Xeljanz is contingent upon the determined condition, such as inadequate response to conventional therapy, Juvenile arthritis and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors. The magnitude of dosage deviates, in keeping with the approach of delivery as described in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Ankylosing spondylitis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Rheumatoid Arthritis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
methotrexate
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Intolerant to Methotrexate
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Psoriatic Arthritis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
inadequate response to conventional therapy
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Rheumatoid Arthritis
5.0 mg, , 11.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 22.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Xeljanz.Common Xeljanz Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live
Major
The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Tofacitinib is combined with Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live.
Anthrax vaccine
Major
The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Tofacitinib is combined with Anthrax vaccine.
Apremilast
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Apremilast can be decreased when used in combination with Tofacitinib.
BCG vaccine
Major
The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Tofacitinib is combined with BCG vaccine.
Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain connaught live antigen
Major
The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Tofacitinib is combined with Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain connaught live antigen.
Xeljanz Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe minimum toxic dose of the drug in rats is 500mg/kg, while the highest dose that does not cause symptoms in non-human primates is 40mg/kg. Animal studies have found that doses between 1mg/kg/day to 10mg/kg/day over a period of 6 weeks to 6 months can cause toxicity to the lymphatic system, immune system, bone marrow and erythroid cells. Human subjects may experience reduced fertility in females, anemia, neutropenia, and lymphopenia which may require an interruption or discontinuation of therapy if severe. There is evidence of carcinogenic potential, however
Xeljanz Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Xeljanz?
Currently, 24 active studies are exploring the potential of Xeljanz to treat inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs, Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
0 Actively Recruiting
Ankylosing spondylitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Intolerant to Methotrexate
0 Actively Recruiting
inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
0 Actively Recruiting
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
inadequate response to conventional therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
methotrexate
0 Actively Recruiting
Psoriatic Arthritis
20 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Xeljanz Reviews: What are patients saying about Xeljanz?
5Patient Review
11/2/2018 I've been taking Xeljanz XR once a day for the past four months, and it's done wonders compared to other treatments I've tried. Injectable biologics work for a while but then lose their efficacy, whereas Xeljanz has kept me feeling great overall with minimal pain. I'm even tapering off my Prednisone usage!
5Patient Review
3/4/2021 This drug was an absolute life saver for me. I had a flare up that lasted over a year, and this medication helped me recover within two months. I'm now able to leave my house without worry.
5Patient Review
1/7/2021 This medication has had a profound impact on my quality of life. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with mobility issues.
5Patient Review
11/2/2018 Xeljanz XR has been working great for me. I've taken other medication in the past that would work for a while and then stop being effective, but Xeljanz is still going strong after 4 months. I'm feeling less pain overall and am able to walk more, which is awesome.
5Patient Review
1/8/2020 Xeljanz has been an absolute godsend. After trying so many different treatments and drugs over the last five years, this is the first time I've felt this good since my diagnosis. I was able to cut my MTX usage by more than half within a month or two of starting Xeljanz, and I really hope that I'll be able to continue affording it.
5Patient Review
1/7/2021 This medication has helped me immensely. I no longer need a walker to get out of bed.
5Patient Review
3/4/2021 This drug was honestly a life-saver for me. I had been dealing with a flare up for over a year before starting this treatment, and within two months I saw such an improvement that I started to leave my house again without fear of having an accident.
5Patient Review
10/14/2018 This treatment does an excellent job at controlling my PsA and OA related pain. I found it to be much more effective than Humira or Enbrel.
5Patient Review
10/14/2018 This treatment does an excellent job at controlling the pain related to PsA and OA. I found it to be much more effective than Humira or Enbrel.
5Patient Review
1/8/2020 Xeljanz has been a total godsend. After trying so many different treatments and drugs over the past few years, this is the first time I've felt well since my diagnosis. I was able to cut my MTX dosage in half within two weeks of starting Xeljanz, and it's only been 8 months. The only downside is that it's quite expensive, so I'm not sure how I'll be able to afford it if their assistance program gets discontinued.
5Patient Review
3/4/2021 This treatment was a life-saver for me. I didn't think I would ever recover from my last flare-up, but this drug helped me turn things around in just two months. I'm now able to leave the house without fear of having an accident, and I've been in remission for two years. Here's hoping it works as well for you!
5Patient Review
11/2/2018 Xeljanz XR has been a great help to me. I was taking injectable biologics before, which would work for a while and then stop being effective. So far Xeljanz is doing really well, in fact I'm reducing my dosage of prednisone from 5 mg to 2.5 mg per day. Another big plus is that I don't have to keep injecting myself!
5Patient Review
1/8/2020 This is the first time in years that I've felt well, and it's thanks to Xeljanz! I was able to tell it was working after only two weeks, which is amazing considering how long I've been dealing with this. The only downside is the cost; fingers crossed that the assistance program continues.
5Patient Review
10/14/2018 This treatment does an excellent job of controlling my pain related to psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. Much better than Humira or Enbrel, in my opinion.
5Patient Review
1/7/2021 This medication has been life-changing. I can finally get out of bed without needing a walker.
4.7Patient Review
12/28/2020 My rheumatologist prescribed Tofacitinib in addition to the Plaquenil. But I have no insurance, I have to take the generic Tofatinib from an India online pharmacy name "BonHoa Pharmacy" (You can search on Google). I have seen a big difference in the degree of stiffness and pain relief within 2 weeks.
4.7Patient Review
12/28/2020 Tofacitinib, in addition to Plaquenil, has been a big help according to my rheumatologist. I have no insurance, so I get the generic Tofatinib from an online pharmacy based in India called BonHoa Pharmacy.
4.7Patient Review
12/28/2020 My rheumatologist prescribed Tofacitinib in addition to the Plaquenil. I have seen a big difference in the degree of stiffness, and it is much more affordable to order the generic version from an online pharmacy.
4Patient Review
7/30/2018 I've been on this medication for seven months and have started to experience some serious side effects like stomach problems, high cholesterol, bloating, headaches, and itching. I think it might be time to talk to my rheumatologist about other options.
4Patient Review
7/30/2018 I've been on this medication for seven months now, and it's caused a number of problems like stomach issues, high cholesterol, bloating, headaches, and itching. I'm thinking about talking to my rheumatologist soon and seeing if there's another option out there.
4Patient Review
7/30/2018 I've been taking this medication for seven months now and have noticed some troubling side effects, such as stomach issues, high cholesterol, bloating, headaches, and itching. I'm contemplating talking to my rheumatologist about other options.
3.7Patient Review
12/13/2018 While this drug is effective for treating JIA, I experienced some very unpleasant side effects, including a stuffed nose, throat problems, and a severe cough. Once I stopped taking the medication, these symptoms all disappeared.
3.7Patient Review
11/10/2018 I began taking this medication in June 2018 for my RA (or JIA). The drug was effective for the first two months, but then I started to experience a stuffed nose, difficulty swallowing, and chronic coughing. My GP says it's just a virus, but I think it's a side effect of the medication. I'm going to stop taking it now.
3.7Patient Review
11/10/2018 I started taking this medication in June 2018 and it did wonders for my RA. However, after two months I suddenly developed a stuffed nose, difficulty swallowing, and chronic coughing. My GP says it's just a virus but I think it's a side effect of the drug. So, unfortunately, I'm going to have to stop taking it.
3.7Patient Review
12/13/2018 JIA patients will find this drug helpful; however, I experienced some nasty side effects like a stuffed nose, throat problems, and a terrible cough. Thankfully, these all went away after discontinuing the medication.
3.7Patient Review
11/10/2018 I started taking this medication in June 2018 for my RA (or JIA). Initially, it was great—but after two months, I began to have a stuffed nose, difficulty swallowing, and started coughing. My GP says it's just a virus; however, I've been dealing with these symptoms for two months now and think it might be a side effect of the drug. As such, I'm stopping use of it.
3.7Patient Review
12/13/2018 While this drug is effective for treating JIA, I experienced a range of bad side effects including a stuffed nose, throat problems, and a severe cough. Once I stopped taking the medication, these symptoms all disappeared.
3Patient Review
11/20/2017 While this treatment did help to reduce inflammation in my hands, I experienced more frequent and severe flares than when I was on Remicade. Additionally, it caused me to gain weight and elevated my cholesterol. Once I switched to Medicare, the cost of this medication became unaffordable.
3Patient Review
11/20/2017 While this treatment did reduce the inflammation in my hands, I experienced more major flares than when I was on Remicade. Additionally, it caused me to gain weight and elevated my cholesterol. Once I switched to Medicare, the unaffordable price tag was another strike against it.
3Patient Review
11/20/2017 While this treatment did reduce inflammation in my hands, I experienced more major flares than when on Remicade. Additionally, it raised my cholesterol and caused weight gain. Once I switched to Medicare, the cost was no longer feasible.
2.7Patient Review
2/9/2018 Though this treatment did reduce inflammation in my hands, it unfortunately also caused more frequent and severe flares. Additionally, I experienced weight gain and an increase in cholesterol levels - something that had never been an issue for me before. This medication is very expensive if you do not qualify for their assistance program, which makes it inaccessible for many people. Overall, I think this medication does more harm than good and would not recommend it to others.
2.7Patient Review
10/24/2018 I developed sinus problems and headaches after just one day of taking this drug. Three weeks later, I had a full-blown infection that is still affecting me even now, weeks after I stopped taking the medication.
2.7Patient Review
2/9/2018 This didn't work as well as I'd hoped, and it actually made my flares more frequent. It also caused me to gain weight and raised my cholesterol levels; neither of which were issues for me before taking this medication. The cost is also outrageous, especially if you don't qualify for their discount program.
2.7Patient Review
10/24/2018 I developed a sinus infection that impacted my teeth, jaw and face after just three weeks of taking this medication. It's been several weeks since I stopped taking the drug and I'm still dealing with the aftermath.
2.7Patient Review
2/9/2018 This didn't work as well as I had hoped, unfortunately. I saw less inflammation in my hands, but more major flares. It also made me put on weight and raised my cholesterol levels; neither of which were issues for me before. The cost is really high if you don't qualify for their assistance program. So overall, not a great experience.
2.7Patient Review
10/24/2018 I developed sinus problems and headaches after just a few days of taking this drug. Unfortunately, these issues have lingered long after I stopped taking the medication.
2.3Patient Review
1/14/2018 I took Xeljanz for seven weeks and found that my condition actually got worse. The pain was so unbearable that it began to prevent me from sleeping at night. I would only be able to fall asleep in the early morning hours when the pain finally subsided. Today, I asked my rheumatologist to stop the medication and am regretful that I didn't do so sooner. This medicine did not work for me whatsoever and now I wonder if perhaps taking no medication at all might be better since the pain is still present even while on the drugs.
2.3Patient Review
2/24/2020 I experienced weight gain, acid reflux and no relief while taking this medication.
2.3Patient Review
1/14/2018 Xeljanz made my condition and pain worse over the course of seven weeks. I used to be able to sleep at night, but now the pain is so bad that it keeps me up all night. I'm going to ask my rheumatologist to stop the medication today.
2.3Patient Review
2/24/2020 I experienced weight gain, acid reflux, and no relief after taking this medication.
2.3Patient Review
1/14/2018 I have been taking Xeljanz for 7 weeks and my condition has not improved. In fact, the pain I experience has gotten worse. I used to be able to sleep at night, but now the pain is so bad that it prevents me from sleeping. I can only start to sleep in the early morning when the pain starts to subside. Today, I will ask my rheumatologist to stop the medication and see if going without any medicine is better than taking this drug.
2.3Patient Review
2/24/2020 I experienced weight gain, acid reflux, and no relief from this medication.
1.7Patient Review
3/3/2020 The first six weeks of taking this medication saw an improvement in my swelling and pain. However, it seems to have stopped working now and my doctor says I should give it a bit more time. In the meantime, I'm dealing with high blood pressure, constant headaches, and ravenous hunger.
1.7Patient Review
3/3/2020 The first six weeks showed promise, but now it seems like the medication has stopped being effective. My doctor says to give it a little more time, but in the meantime, I'm dealing with high blood pressure, constant headaches, and extreme hunger.
1.7Patient Review
3/3/2020 The first six weeks showed some promise, but now it seems like the treatment has stopped being effective. My doctor says to give it a bit more time, but in the meantime, I'm experiencing high blood pressure, constant headaches, and extreme hunger.
1Patient Review
2/9/2019 I took Xeljanz XR for 4 months along with Methotrexate. Results of a blood test after 4 months showed a significant decrease of white blood cells and a 30 point increase in LDL (bad cholesterol). Also, my blood pressure systolic number rose to a high level. Inflammation had not decreased, so I stopped taking the drug.
1Patient Review
2/9/2019 After four months of taking Xeljanz XR in conjunction with Methotrexate, my blood work showed a significant decrease in white blood cells and an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) by 30 points. My systolic blood pressure also rose to an alarmingly high level. Since the inflammation I was experiencing had not decreased, I stopped taking the drug.
1Patient Review
2/9/2019 After four months of taking Xeljanz XR along with methotrexate, my blood test results showed a significant decrease in white blood cells and a 30 point increase in LDL (bad cholesterol). My systolic blood pressure number also rose to a dangerously high level. Inflammation had not decreased at all, so I stopped taking the drug.
Patient Q&A Section about xeljanz
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of taking Xeljanz?
"Xeljanz side effects most commonly include upper respiratory tract infection, cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, rash, and headache. However, the medication can also cause more severe problems, such as serious infections, heart problems, cancer, blood clots, and death."
Answered by AI
What is Xeljanz used for?
"XELJANZ is a pill that is the first of its kind to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, and moderate to severe ulcerative colitis."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is Xeljanz?
"Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that blocks Janus kinase enzymes, which are involved in the inflammation that causes the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib is a long-term treatment."
Answered by AI
Is Xeljanz an immunosuppressant?
"The active ingredient in Xeljanz, tofacitinib, is an immunosuppressant that inhibits enzymes called Janus kinases."
Answered by AI