Xeljanz (Tofacitinib)

Do’s

• Before initiating Xelijanz, review the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult it with each refill. If using the liquid form, carefully review the Instructions for Use, and seek clarification from your healthcare provider if needed.
• Ingest this medication orally as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily, with or without food
• When using the liquid form, carefully measure the dosage using a specialized measuring device or spoon. 
• The prescribed dosage depends on your medical condition, response to treatment, lab test results, and concurrent medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. Children's dosage is determined by their weight.
• Consistent and regular use of this medication is crucial to derive maximum benefit. Adhere to the specified times for administration each day.
• Notify your healthcare provider if your condition does not show improvement or worsens

Don’ts

• Avoid using a household spoon when measuring the liquid form as it may result in an inaccurate dose.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of use, as doing so may elevate the risk of serious side effects without accelerating the improvement of your condition.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Increased blood pressure
• Abnormal blood tests

Serious Side Effects:

• Infections
• Blood clots
• Malignancies such as lymphomas and solid tumors

Consult healthcare providers for detailed information and guidance on the safety and side effects of Xeljanz.

Taking Xeljanz may increase the risk of life-threatening medical problems, including serious infections, a hole or tear in the digestive tract, heart attack or stroke, blood clots, and cancer.

Stopping treatment with Xeljanz may cause the symptoms of the condition to return. However, some patients are able to stop Xeljanz without their symptoms flaring up, according to research conducted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Xeljanz may interact with other drugs, including certain immunosuppressive drugs and medications that affect liver enzymes. Inform your healthcare provider about all the supplements, vitamins, and drugs being taken.

Patients treated with Xeljanz are at an increased risk of developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with highly active disease, may be at a higher risk than the general population for the development of lymphoma and other cancers.

Patients are advised not to start taking Xeljanz if they have an active infection. They should contact their healthcare provider immediately during treatment if symptoms suggesting infection appear

Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with Xeljanz, including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy

Preliminary results from a safety clinical trial show an increased risk of serious heart-related problems and cancer with Xeljanz compared to another type of medicine called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Individuals considering or currently using Xeljanz should be aware of these warnings and precautions and consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.