Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR is available as an oral tablet and a clear, colorless, oral solution.

Xeljanz is taken once a day and is available in two strengths: 11mg and 22mg. Xeljanz is taken twice daily and is available in two strengths: 5mg and 10mg.

Can be used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.

Do not use it with biologics or severe immunosuppressants. Consider using Xeljanz to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 2 years of age and older.

The dosage will need to be reduced with CYP3A4 inhibitors or in those with kidney or liver disease. An initial induction dose is recommended before transitioning to a maintenance dose depending on the therapeutic response. May also be used for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults who have had an inadequate response or who are intolerant to TNF blockers.Not recommended with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine. May also be used to reduce joint pain and joint swelling, and help to improve physical functioning in adults with psoriatic arthritis in those adults who have tried methotrexate or other medicines without success.It can be used alone or with methotrexate or other nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Xeljanz may be used to treat patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to or cannot tolerate methotrexate.

It may also be called a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).

Xeljanz belongs to the class of medicines known as JAK inhibitors.

Xeljanz inhibits the in vitro activities of numerous JAK enzymes (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2) inside the cell to help block the release of chemicals that lead to inflammation (swelling and pain). JAKs activate Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) which are involved in cell development, proliferation, and survival as well as the immune response. JAKs transmit signals that originate from cytokine or growth factor-receptor interactions on cell membranes that influence the formation of blood cells and immune cell function.

Xeljanz works by inhibiting the Janus kinase (JAK) enzyme.

Xeljanz is a brand (trade) name for tofacitinib citrate which may be used to treat several conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm.

Side effect of xeljanz