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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Jan 1, 2025 | 2:47 PM IST

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It contains Tofacitinib which works by lowering inflammation and symptoms associated with arthritis. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, and vomiting. Before taking this medicine, inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Composition :

TOFACITINIB-5MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Pfizer Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

About Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints, often associated with psoriasis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine.
 
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet contains 'Tofacitinib' which works by blocking the Janus kinase enzyme, thereby lowering inflammation and symptoms associated with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. 
 
In some cases, you may experience common side-effects such as diarrhoea, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, cold, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
 
Inform your doctor if you have an active infection, if you have a condition that increases the chance of having infections, if you are taking immunosuppressants, medicines that affect the immune system or corticosteroids. Avoid taking Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.

Uses of Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Ulcerative colitis.

Medicinal Benefits

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called Janus kinase inhibitors used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet works by blocking Janus kinase enzyme, thereby lowering inflammation and symptoms associated with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is indicated for patients with moderate to severe rheumatic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis who have had intolerance or inadequate response to methotrexate or DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs).

Side Effects of Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet

  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Cold
  • High blood pressure

Directions for Use

Swallow Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew or break it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Drug Warnings

Do not take Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet if you are allergic to any of its components; if you have a severe infection, bloodstream infection, active tuberculosis, or if you have severe liver problems such as cirrhosis. Avoid taking Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you have an infection, symptoms of infection, a condition that increases chances of infection, are taking any medicines that affect the immune system; have or had a history of tuberculosis, or were in close contact with someone who has/had tuberculosis; chronic lung disease, liver problems, hepatitis B/C, cancer, are at a high risk of developing skin cancer, inflammation/ulcers of the large intestine, kidney problems, planning to get vaccinated, heart problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, or blood clotting problems. If your white blood cell count or red blood cell count is low, avoid taking Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet . Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.

Therapeutic Class

ANTIRHEUMATICS, DISEASE MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS (DMARDs)

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.

  • Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.

  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.

  • Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.

  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.

  • Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.

  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.

  • Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.

  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Habit Forming

No

How Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet Works

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet contains 'Tofacitinib' which works by blocking the Janus kinase enzyme, thereby lowering inflammation and symptoms associated with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

What if I have taken an overdose of Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet

Take Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet only as prescribed by the physician. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it might cause an overdose. If you suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
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Alcohol

Caution

It is not known if alcohol interacts with Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet , so please consult a doctor.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet must not be taken during pregnancy. If you are a woman of child-bearing potential, use effective contraception during the treatment with Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet and for 4 weeks after discontinuation.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Avoid breastfeeding while taking Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet . Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

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Driving

Safe

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet generally does not affect your ability to drive. However, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.

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Liver

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is not recommended for patients with severe liver problems.

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Kidney

Caution

Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.

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Children

Unsafe

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness were not established.

Country of origin

INDIA

Manufacturer/Marketer address

The Capital, 1802, 18th Floor , Plot No. C-70, ‘G’ Block , Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East , Mumbai – 400051
Other Info - XEL0011

Author Details

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FAQs

Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet works by blocking Janus kinase enzyme, thereby lowers inflammation and symptoms associated with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Hypertension/high blood pressure could be a side-effect of Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet . Consult your doctor before taking Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet if you have high blood pressure or if you are taking anti-hypertensive medicines.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet . Eat non-spicy meals and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet might impair fertility in females of reproductive potential. It is not known if the effect is reversible. Therefore, talk to a doctor before starting Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet if you are trying to become pregnant or if you have any concerns regarding this.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet affects the immune system and might lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections. Inform your doctor if you have an active infection, if you have a condition that increases the chance of having infections, if you are taking immunosuppressants, medicines that affect the immune system or corticosteroids.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet is not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. Please consult the doctor if you have liver problems.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet may increase the risk of cancer by changing the way the immune system works. Inform the doctor if you ever had any type of cancer.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet may begin working within 2-8 weeks after starting the treatment.
Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet should not be taken along with tocilizumab as it might increase the risk of infections. Before starting Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet , inform the doctor if you are taking tocilizumab.
Prior to starting Xeljanz 5 mg Tablet , active or latent tuberculosis test, CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test), and lipid profile tests should be done.

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