Xeljanz is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or active psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz (tofacitinib) blocks the activity of certain enzymes in the body that affect immune system function.
History:The FDA approved tofacitinib, the active ingredient in Xeljanz in 2012, to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in people who cannot tolerate methotrexate. The FDA had also approved Xeljanz to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
In 2019, the FDA approved an updated boxed warning, stating that a safety trial “finds risk of blood clots in the lungs and death with higher dose of tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR)” in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Drugs: Olumiant, Humira, Rinvoq
Side Effects: upper respiratory tract infections, headache diarrhea swollen lymph nodes high blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest or back pain, coughing up blood, excessive sweating, clammy or blue-colored skin, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, severe infections, cancerous growths, blood clots
Manufacturer: Pfizer Inc.
