What is Xeljanz?
Xeljanz is a brand name for a drug called tofacitinib, which is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It works by regulating an overactive immune system by disrupting JAK pathways from inside the cells.
Xeljanz is available in two forms : tablets for oral use and extended-release tablets for oral use. It is manufactured and marketed by Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical company.
While Xeljanz has been proven to be an effective treatment for arthritis, it does come with potential side effects. The most common side effects include headaches, diarrhea, and infections. More serious side effects include an increased risk of blood clots, lymphoma, and opportunistic infections, especially if taken at higher doses. Healthcare professionals are advised to monitor patients regularly and report any adverse effects.
Xeljanz should not be used in individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment, or in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, it should not be taken with other JAK inhibitors or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Overall, Xeljanz is an important medication used to treat arthritis, but it is important that patients are aware of the potential side effects and are monitored regularly by healthcare professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions about xeljanz
Each tablet of XELJANZ contains 5 mg tofacitinib (equivalent to 8.08 mg tofacitinib citrate) and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, HPMC 2910/Hypromellose 6cP, lactose monohydrate, macrogol/PEG3350, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
XELJANZ (tofacitinib) was the first FDA-approved pill of its kind (JAK inhibitor) that treats adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, and moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
Tofacitinib, also known as Xeljanz, is a type of drug known as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of 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.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are made by Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company located in New York, NY.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are made by Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company located in New York, NY.
XELJANZ / XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) | Pfizer Medical Information - US.
In September 2021 the FDA concluded: “There is an increased risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attack or stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death with the arthritis and ulcerative colitis medicines Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR (active ingredient tofacitinib).” Based on these findings from clinical trials that ...
The most common side effects of Xeljanz include upper respiratory tract infection, cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, rash, herpes zoster infection (shingles) and headache. The medication can also cause more severe problems such as serious infections, heart problems, cancer, blood clots, and death.
In September 2021 the FDA concluded: “There is an increased risk of serious heart-related events such as heart attack or stroke, cancer, blood clots, and death with the arthritis and ulcerative colitis medicines Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR (active ingredient tofacitinib).” Based on these findings from clinical trials that ...
The most common side effects of Xeljanz include upper respiratory tract infection, cold-like symptoms, diarrhea, rash, herpes zoster infection (shingles) and headache. The medication can also cause more severe problems such as serious infections, heart problems, cancer, blood clots, and death.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are made by Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company located in New York, NY.
As the developer of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, Pfizer is a leader in JAK innovation.
In November 2012 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Xeljanz (tofacitinib). It is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used for the treatment of: rheumatoid arthritis. psoriatic arthritis.
Tofacitinib is a prescription medication used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Tofacitinib is available under the following different brand names: Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR.
Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years.
It is certainly possible that tofacitinib can be associated with kidney injury. Fortunately, this is rare. Most of the time, the mild elevations in serum creatinine are not associated with actual kidney injury and are reversible once the dose is reduced again in the future.
