Xeljanz 5mg Tablets (tofacitinib)

Recommended Dosage of Xeljanz 5mg Tablets

The recommended dosage of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) 5mg tablets varies depending on the specific condition being treated. Here are the typical dosages for different conditions:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

The recommended dosage is 5 mg twice daily.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA):

The recommended dosage is 5 mg twice daily.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC):

The recommended dosage is 10 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by 5 mg twice daily.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS):

The recommended dosage is 5 mg twice daily.

Warnings and Precautions of Xeljanz Tablets

Warnings:

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

You should inform your doctor if you have a weak immune system, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or an infection such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, shingles, or HIV. Additionally, let your doctor know if you’ve ever experienced diverticulitis, an ulcer in your stomach or intestines, cancer, a kidney transplant, heart problems, or if you have a history of smoking, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

If you experience symptoms such as fever, night sweats, constant tiredness, weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea or changes in bowel habits, trouble breathing, wheezing, a severe cough, or lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin, it’s essential to call your doctor right away.

Seek emergency medical help if you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain spreading to your neck or arms, nausea, severe dizziness, a cold sweat, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, or pain, redness, or swelling in an arm or leg.

Combining Xeljanz with biologic DMARDs or potent immunosuppressants like azathioprine and cyclosporine is not recommended.

Xeljanz XR (extended-release tablets) cannot be swapped with Xeljanz Oral Solution.

Patients with an absolute lymphocyte count less than 500 cells/mm3, absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) <1000 cells/mm3, or hemoglobin <9 g/dL should not start Xeljanz.

Avoid using Xeljanz in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Furthermore, refrain from use during an active serious infection, including localized infections.

Regular laboratory monitoring is recommended due to potential changes in lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, liver enzymes, and lipids.

Precautions:

Before taking Xeljanz, inform your doctor if you have:

a weak immune system or chronic infection (such as tuberculosis, shingles, HIV, or hepatitis);

any type of cancer.

kidney disease, a kidney transplant, or if you are on dialysis.

diverticulitis, an ulcer in your stomach or intestines.

heart problems.

a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.

high cholesterol; or

if you’ve ever smoked.

Let your doctor know if you’ve been sick with signs of infection, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, trouble breathing, skin sore, diarrhea, or painful urination.

Side Effects of Xeljanz Tablets

Side Effects:

Some people who take Xeljanz have developed heart attacks, strokes, or serious blood clots. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking this medicine immediately and seek emergency medical attention:

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure that may spread to your jaw, shoulder, arms, or back.
Nausea, vomiting, cold sweat
Feeling light-headed, like you might pass out.
Weakness on one side of your body
Slurred speech, drooping on one side of your mouth.
Pain, swelling, or redness in an arm or leg.
Xeljanz may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

Fever, chills, night sweats, constant tiredness
Wheezing, trouble breathing, severe or worsening cough.
Increased urination, pain or burning sensation when you urinate.
Unexplained weight loss
Lumps in your neck, armpits, or groin
Signs of shingles such as flu-like symptoms, tingling, or painful blistering rash on one side of your body
A hole (perforation) in your digestive tract which may manifest as fever, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits.
Signs of hepatitis include loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain (especially on the upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).