Xeljanz
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis + 8 more
Treatment
11 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Xeljanz
Treatment for
Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Xeljanz
Tofacitinib
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Tofacitinib 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.
Xeljanz
is 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 11 uses which include Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis .
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage severe Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps manage moderate Rheumatoid arthritis
Colitis, Ulcerative
Helps manage Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
methotrexate
Helps manage Insufficient Response to Methotrexate
Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Helps manage Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
moderate Rheumatoid arthritis
Helps manage moderate Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Helps manage Psoriatic Arthritis
inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
Helps manage inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
Intolerant to Methotrexate
Helps manage Intolerant to Methotrexate
severe Rheumatoid arthritis
Helps manage severe Rheumatoid arthritis
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Helps manage Inadequate response or intolerance to TNF blockers
Effectiveness
How Xeljanz Affects Patients
Tofacitinib 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 body
Rheumatoid 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
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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Arthritis, Juvenile
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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Disease
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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Solution - Oral, Solution
Colitis, Ulcerative
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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 - Oral, Tablet, film coated, 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 Risk
The 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
inadequate response or intolerance to DMARDs
0 Actively Recruiting
methotrexate
0 Actively Recruiting
Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Psoriatic Arthritis
30 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 2
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Intolerant to Methotrexate
0 Actively Recruiting
Arthritis, Juvenile
0 Actively Recruiting
Colitis, Ulcerative
0 Actively Recruiting
Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
0 Actively Recruiting
Ankylosing spondylitis
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2
Xeljanz Reviews: What are patients saying about Xeljanz?
5
Patient Review
11/2/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
3/4/2021
Xeljanz for Ulcerated Colon
5
Patient Review
1/7/2021
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
11/2/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
1/8/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
1/7/2021
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
3/4/2021
Xeljanz for Ulcerated Colon
5
Patient Review
10/14/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
5
Patient Review
10/14/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
5
Patient Review
1/8/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
3/4/2021
Xeljanz for Ulcerated Colon
5
Patient Review
11/2/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
1/8/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
5
Patient Review
10/14/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
5
Patient Review
1/7/2021
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4.7
Patient Review
12/28/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4.7
Patient Review
12/28/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4.7
Patient Review
12/28/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4
Patient Review
7/30/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4
Patient Review
7/30/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
4
Patient Review
7/30/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
12/13/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
11/10/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
11/10/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
12/13/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
11/10/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3.7
Patient Review
12/13/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3
Patient Review
11/20/2017
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3
Patient Review
11/20/2017
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
3
Patient Review
11/20/2017
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
2/9/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
10/24/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
2/9/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
10/24/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
2/9/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.7
Patient Review
10/24/2018
Xeljanz for Psoriasis associated with Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
1/14/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
2/24/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
1/14/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
2/24/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
1/14/2018
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
2.3
Patient Review
2/24/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1.7
Patient Review
3/3/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1.7
Patient Review
3/3/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1.7
Patient Review
3/3/2020
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1
Patient Review
2/9/2019
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1
Patient Review
2/9/2019
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1
Patient Review
2/9/2019
Xeljanz for Rheumatoid Arthritis
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