Xeljanz

Generic name:tofacitinib [ TOE-fa-SYE-ti-nib ]
Brand names: Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR
Drug class:Antirheumatics

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 15, 2021.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz blocks the activity of certain enzymes in the body that affect immune system function.

Xeljanz is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or active psoriatic arthritis in adults who have tried methotrexate or other medications without successful treatment of symptoms. Tofacitinib is sometimes given in combination with methotrexate or other arthritis medicines.

Xeljanz is used to treat adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults who cannot use certain other medications, or after other treatments have failed.

Xeljanz is used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis when 1 or more TNF blocker medicines have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated. 

Xeljanz is also used to treat polyarticular juvenile arthritis in adults and in children at least 2 years old.

Warnings

Xeljanz affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, trouble breathing, skin sores, diarrhea, weight loss, or burning when you urinate.

Taking Xeljanz may increase your risk of life-threatening medical problems including serious infections, a hole or tear in your digestive tract, a heart attack or stroke, blood clots, or cancer.

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