IMMUNOMODULATOR/KINASE INHIBITOR
Overview
Xeljanz is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Xeljanz may be prescribed in cases where psoriatic arthritis has not responded sufficiently to methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Xeljanz is also known by its drug name, tofacitinib.
Xeljanz is an immunomodulator, in other words, a drug that modulates the immune system. Xeljanz is also considered a Janus kinase inhibitor or JAK inhibitor. Xeljanz is believed to work by inhibiting Janus kinases, chemicals involved in signaling the immune system to attack the tissues.
How do I take it?
Xeljanz is available as a tablet. Xeljanz XR is available as an extended-release tablet.
Xeljanz is taken orally twice a day. Xeljanz XR is taken orally once a day.
Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Xeljanz lists common side effects including upper respiratory tract infection, cold symptoms, diarrhea, and headache.
Rare but serious side effects listed for Xeljanz include severe infections (including tuberculosis and hepatitis B reactivation), bleeding disorders, and perforations of the gastrointestinal system. Xeljanz may increase the risk for developing lymphoma or related conditions.
For more details about this treatment, visit:
Xeljanz — Pfizer
https://www.xeljanz.com