Xeljanz

Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that works differently from older arthritis medications. Instead of targeting specific immune proteins, it blocks enzymes inside cells that trigger inflammation throughout your body. This unique action helps control several autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. When you buy Xeljanz through online pharmacy delivery services, youre getting a targeted therapy that can provide relief when other treatments haven’t worked.

Manufactured by Pfizer, Xeljanz comes in two formulations: immediate-release tablets (5mg) taken twice daily and extended-release tablets (Xeljanz XR, 11mg) taken once daily. Both work the same way—the XR version just releases medication more slowly for once-daily convenience. Your doctor will prescribe the version that best fits your schedule and condition.

Understanding JAK Inhibitors

Your immune system protects you from infections and injuries. Sometimes it becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues, causing autoimmune diseases. JAK enzymes are chemical messengers inside cells that tell your immune system to create inflammation. When JAK enzymes send too many signals, you get chronic inflammation that damages joints, intestines, or other tissues.

Xeljanz blocks JAK enzymes, reducing these inflammatory signals. This calms down the overactive immune response, decreasing pain, swelling, and tissue damage. The medication affects multiple immune pathways at once, making it effective for different types of inflammation. It starts working within a few weeks, with maximum benefits developing after 3-6 months.

What Xeljanz Treats

For rheumatoid arthritis, Xeljanz reduces joint pain, swelling, and stiffness while slowing joint damage progression. It helps people who havent responded well to medications like methotrexate or TNF blockers. Many patients notice improved mobility and reduced morning stiffness. The medication is often combined with methotrexate for better results, though it can be used alone.

Psoriatic arthritis causes both joint inflammation and skin problems. Xeljanz helps with painful, swollen joints and may improve skin plaques, though it works better for joint symptoms than skin. People often take it when TNF blockers like other arthritis medications haven’t provided enough relief.

In ulcerative colitis, Xeljanz reduces intestinal inflammation, helping control symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgent bowel movements. It helps achieve and maintain remission in moderate to severe cases. Many patients see improvement within 8 weeks, with continued benefits during long-term treatment. The medication offers an option when standard therapies or biologics haven’t worked.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation in the spine and where tendons attach to bones. Xeljanz reduces back pain and stiffness, improving flexibility and daily function. It’s approved for people who haven’t responded adequately to TNF blockers or cant tolerate them.

Dosing and Administration

For rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, the typical dose is 5mg twice daily (immediate-release) or 11mg once daily (extended-release). For ulcerative colitis, treatment starts with a higher induction dose of 10mg twice daily for 8-16 weeks, then drops to 5mg twice daily for maintenance. Ankylosing spondylitis uses 5mg twice daily.

Take tablets with or without food. Swallow extended-release tablets whole—dont crush, split, or chew them. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless its almost time for the next dose. Never double up to make up for missed doses. Consistency matters for maintaining stable drug levels and controlling inflammation.

Important Safety Information

Xeljanz lowers your immune systems ability to fight infections. Before starting, your doctor will test for tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B and C, and other infections. You’ll need a chest X-ray and blood tests. Anyone with active serious infection shouldnt start Xeljanz until the infection is treated.

During treatment, watch for infection signs including fever, flu-like symptoms, cough, painful urination, skin infections, or unusual fatigue. Report these immediately. Avoid contact with people who have contagious illnesses. The medication increases risk of serious infections like pneumonia, TB reactivation, shingles, and fungal infections.

Xeljanz carries a black box warning about serious risks including increased chances of serious infections, cancers (especially lymphoma and lung cancer in smokers), blood clots, and death. These risks are higher in people over 50 with heart disease risk factors. Your doctor will carefully weigh benefits versus risks before prescribing this medication.

You cant receive live vaccines while taking Xeljanz. This includes measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella (chickenpox), yellow fever, and some others. Inactivated vaccines like flu shot, pneumonia vaccine, and hepatitis vaccines are safe. Update vaccinations before starting treatment if possible.

Monitoring Requirements

Regular blood tests are crucial while taking Xeljanz. Your doctor will check your blood counts, liver function, cholesterol levels, and kidney function before starting treatment, after 4-8 weeks, then every 3 months. The medication can cause low blood counts, elevated liver enzymes, and increased cholesterol.

Report unusual symptoms promptly including persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, easy bruising or bleeding, severe stomach pain, skin changes or new growths, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling. Early detection of problems allows for timely intervention.

Who Shouldnt Use Xeljanz

Dont use Xeljanz if you have active serious infections, active TB, severe liver disease, or low blood counts. People with certain cancers should avoid it. Older adults over 65, current or past smokers, people with heart disease or risk factors, and those with history of blood clots face higher risks and need careful evaluation.

Tell your doctor about all health conditions including history of infections, hepatitis, kidney or liver disease, blood disorders, diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, or blood clots. Discuss all medications you take, especially other immunosuppressants, as combining them increases infection risk. When managing multiple conditions through an electronic pharmacy, ensure all providers know about your Xeljanz treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Dont use Xeljanz during pregnancy—it may harm the developing baby. Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Men with partners who could become pregnant should also use contraception during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping.

Dont breastfeed while taking Xeljanz. The medication passes into breast milk and could harm the baby. Discuss timing of breastfeeding with your doctor if you need this medication—you may need to choose between breastfeeding and treatment.

Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-162865/xeljanz-oral/details
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/xeljanz