Is Xeljanz an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Xeljanz is an immunosuppressant drug and reduces the activity of the immune system. This can make it harder for you to fight an infection. You should not use Xeljanz if you have a serious infection. Your doctor may perform tests before you start treatment to be sure you do not have an infection. Follow your doctors instructions exactly.
- Some people taking Xeljanz may develop a serious or deadly infection due to tuberculosis (TB), bacteria, a fungus or a virus like shingles.
- These infections can spread in your body and you may have to be hospitalized.
- Most people who developed these infections were taking other medicines that also lowered the activity of the immune system, such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any drugs used to suppress your immune system or if you are being treated for an infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Also tell your doctor if you have a history of lots of infections, have TB, have ever had TB, or have been in close contact with some with TB. Tell them if you have diabetes, a long-lasting (chronic) lung disease, HIV or a weak immune system.
If you have signs of an infection, call your doctor right away. Signs may include: a fever, sweating, chills, a sore that won’t heal, sore throat, red, warm or painful skin or sores, muscle aches, changes in phlegm color, blood in phlegm, pain or burning when you urinate, urinating more often, a cough, shortness of breath, sores in your mouth, diarrhea or stomach pain, or weight loss.
Why is Xeljanz prescribed?
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is approved by the FDA to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is available as an oral tablet, oral solution, and as an extended-release tablet known as Xeljanz XR.
The active ingredient in Xeljanz is tofacitinib, an immunosuppressant medicine. It is classified as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and blocks JAK enzymes in the cell. Blocking JAK helps to control inflammation (swelling, pain) and reduce or prevent joint damage.
Do not stop taking Xeljanz without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Stopping your treatment may worsen your condition.
Further information: Xeljanz Uses, Safety and Side Effects (in more detail)
This is not all the information you need to know about Xeljanz (tofacitinib) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Xeljanz information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
References
- Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib) prescribing information. Pfizer Inc. 10/2020. Accessed August 11, 2021 at https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=959#S2.1
- Patient education: Rheumatoid arthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics). Up to Date. 7/2021. Accessed August 11, 2021 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/rheumatoid-arthritis-treatment-beyond-the-basics
Read next
Which JAK inhibitors are approved in the U.S?
List of JAK inhibitors approved in the United States include:
- Cibinqo (abrocitinib)
- Inrebic (fedratinib)
- Jakafi (ruxolitinib)
- Litfulo (ritlecitinib)
- Ojjaara (momelotinib)
- Olumiant (baricitinib)
- Opzelura (ruxolitinib)
- Rinvoq (upadacitinib)
- Vonjo (pacritinib)
- Xeljanz (tofacitinib)
How long does Xeljanz take to work?
Xeljanz can work in as little as three days for patients with ulcerative colitis. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis will notice an improvement in their symptoms within two weeks, but others may have to wait up to three to four months for Xeljanz to work.
Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate) is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), which works by suppressing the immune system. Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol while taking Xeljanz?
Although the manufacturer of Xeljanz, Pfizer, does not warn of an interaction between alcohol and Xeljanz, you should not drink excessive amounts of alcohol while you are taking Xeljanz because both are metabolized by the liver and can cause liver damage. The risk may be higher if you take other immunosuppressants or medications that also affect the liver, such as methotrexate, or already have liver disease. There have already been numerous Xeljanz lawsuits filed by people who believe Pfizer should have warned them about the dangers of combining alcohol and Xeljanz. Continue reading
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- Is Xeljanz approved for ankylosing spondylitis?
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