Xeljanz (Tofacitinib) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Xeljanz is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. Xeljanz is also referred to by its drug name, tofacitinib.

Xeljanz is an immunomodulator, which is a drug that modulates the immune system. Xeljanz is also referred to as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Xeljanz is believed to work by inhibiting Janus kinases, chemicals involved in signaling the immune system to attack the body’s connective tissues.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Xeljanz is taken orally as a tablet once or twice daily.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Xeljanz lists common side effects including diarrhea, headache, respiratory tract infections, the common cold, and urinary tract infections.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Xeljanz can include severe infections, stomach and intestinal damage, and lymphoma.

For more information, visit:

Xeljanz — Pfizer
https://www.xeljanz.com

Xeljanz — Arthritis Foundation
https://www.arthritis.org/partnership/ease-of-u...