What is Xeljanz XR?
Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib citrate) is a medication developed by Pfizer Inc. It is an extended-release version of Xeljanz, which means it releases the medication over an extended period of time. Xeljanz XR is used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Xeljanz XR is available in two dosages: 11 mg and 22 mg extended-release tablets. The tablets are taken orally, and are typically prescribed to be taken once per day.
The medication works as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which means it blocks the action of certain enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. By blocking these enzymes, Xeljanz XR helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis and colitis.
As with any medication, Xeljanz XR can cause side effects. Some of the common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. In rare cases, Xeljanz XR can cause more serious side effects, such as an increased risk of infections, blood clots, and even cancer.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking Xeljanz XR, as well as any other medications or supplements you may be taking. Your healthcare provider can provide you with more information on how to take Xeljanz XR, and what precautions you should take while using the medication.
If you are interested in learning more about Xeljanz XR, you may wish to speak with your healthcare provider or visit the Pfizer Medical Information website. It is important to note that Xeljanz XR is only available with a prescription, and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about xeljanz xr
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 XR 11 mg is the first and only once-daily oral JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As the developer of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR, Pfizer is a leader in JAK innovation.
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.
XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is used to treat adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used and did not work well or cannot be tolerated.
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.
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 ...
XELJANZ is the first and only oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for five indications in the European Union (EU), including in adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), and ...
Xeljanz (tofacitinib) was first authorised in the EU on 22 March 2017 to treat adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (a disease that causes inflammation of the joints).
In the long-term extension open-label study, malignancies (excluding NMSC) have been observed in patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg BID, including solid cancers and lymphoma. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with XELJANZ.
Certain people taking Xeljanz may have an increased risk of death, including death related to a cardiovascular issue. This applies to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are ages 50 years or older and have at least one cardiovascular risk factor.
In the long-term extension open-label study, malignancies (excluding NMSC) have been observed in patients treated with XELJANZ 10 mg BID, including solid cancers and lymphoma. Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) have been reported in patients treated with XELJANZ.
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.
Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR are made by Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company located in New York, NY.
