{"id":55992,"date":"2022-12-15T12:05:51","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T17:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55992"},"modified":"2024-10-25T11:00:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:00:26","slug":"xeljanz-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/xeljanz-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Xeljanz alternatives: What can I take instead of Xeljanz?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/arthritis\/basics\/rheumatoid-arthritis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes swelling and inflammation in affected parts of the body. In patients with RA, part of their immune system misidentifies healthy cells and attacks them. It most commonly attacks joints, such as those in the hands, wrists, and knees. Chronic inflammation will eventually cause permanent damage to the joint tissue, which can result in long-lasting pain and misshapenness. The treatment of RA can be challenging, both in identifying a regimen that provides relief and is tolerable to the patient, yet adequate management of this disease is crucial to preventing long-term damage as well as complications associated with RA. Possible complications include premature heart disease, obesity, and even depression, as the diagnosis directly impacts the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/erar.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.4103\/err.err_39_19\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quality of life<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three very broad classes of drugs commonly employed as treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (NSAIDs), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/corticosteroids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corticosteroids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and disease-modifying <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antirheumatics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antirheumatic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs can be further subclassified, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xeljanz\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xeljanz<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (tofacitinib) is a type of DMARD available for the treatment of RA that is either refractory to first-line DMARD therapy or taken due to intolerances associated with first-line therapy. NSAIDs and corticosteroids, like prednisone, only serve as a temporizing measure in symptom relief until DMARDs can be initiated because they do not prevent joint destruction, while DMARDs can. DMARDs, such as Xeljanz, come with many serious side effects that might cause a person to seek alternatives. Here we will discuss alternatives to Xeljanz in the management of rheumatoid <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/arthritis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">arthritis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-can-i-take-in-place-of-xeljanz\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What can I take in place of Xeljanz?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rheumatology.org\/Practice-Quality\/Clinical-Support\/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines\/Rheumatoid-Arthritis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American College of Rheumatology (ACR) <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommends a treat-to-target approach for patients with RA, meaning that patients should begin treatment as soon as RA is diagnosed to slow irreversible joint damage. Oral methotrexate remains the first-line treatment unless a patient can&rsquo;t tolerate it or has a contraindication to it. Methotrexate is considered a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) that was developed without a specific target within the immune system, while biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) are large molecules and highly specific to certain immune pathways. Targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) are also in contrast with methotrexate since they specifically target proinflammatory molecules and include the drug class known as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. These medications block the activity of the JAK enzyme, which plays a role in cytokine signaling that is linked to joint and tissue inflammation. Xeljanz is one example of a JAK inhibitor, but others do exist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Xeljanz is effective in the management of RA, it does come with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some of which are serious, so awareness of more suitable alternatives for certain individuals is crucial in the creation of a treatment plan.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h2 id=\"compare-xeljanz-alternatives\"><span class=\"title\">Compare Xeljanz alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Drug name<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Uses<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Savings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Xeljanz (tofacitinib)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, COVID-19, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, RA, ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate release: 5 mg orally twice daily<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extended-release: 11 mg orally once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xeljanz\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xeljanz coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olumiant (baricitinib)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alopecia, COVID-19, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 mg orally once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/olumiant\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olumiant coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinvoq (upadacitinib extended-release)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, RA, ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 mg orally once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rinvoq\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinvoq coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otrexup (methotrexate)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RA, Crohn&rsquo;s Disease, Psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, giant cell arteritis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initiate and titrate to 15 mg once weekly for 4 to 6 weeks; increase as tolerated up to a maximum of 25 mg once weekly<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/otrexup\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otrexup coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humira (adalimumab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn&rsquo;s disease, hidradenitis suppurativa, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, RA, sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis, uveitis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 mg SubQ every 2 weeks&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/humira\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humira coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enbrel (etanercept)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, graft-versus-host disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, RA&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50 mg SubQ once weekly<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enbrel\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enbrel coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orencia Clickjet (abatacept)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, psoriatic arthritis, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SubQ: 125mg one weekly<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IV:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 60 kg: 500 mg every 4 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60-100 kg: 750mg every 4 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater than 100 kg: 1000 mg every 4 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/orencia-clickject\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orencia Clickjet coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actemra Actpen (tocilizumab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19, Cytokine release syndrome, Giant cell arteritis, RA, scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SubQ&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less than 100kg: 162 mg every 1 to 2 weeks&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater than or equal to 100kg: 162 mg every week<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IV:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4-8 mg\/kg (max 800mg) every 4 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/actemra-actpen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actemra Actpen coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rituxan (rituximab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, dermatomyositis, graft-versus-host disease, Hodgkin lymphoma, lupus nephritis, multiple sclerosis, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1000 mg IV every 2 weeks x 2 doses; repeat after 6 months<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rituxan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rituxan coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arava (leflunomide)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BK virus, Cytomegalovirus disease, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loading dose: &nbsp; &nbsp; 100mg once<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance dose: 20 mg once daily; may reduce to 10 mg once daily if cannot tolerate adverse effects<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/arava\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arava coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus, malaria, Q fever, RA, sarcoidosis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 mg to 400 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/plaquenil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plaquenil coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn&rsquo;s disease, psoriatic arthritis, RA, ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500 mg once or twice daily; can increase up to 3 g per day (split into two doses)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azulfidine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azulfidine coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remicade (infliximab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn&rsquo;s disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, pustular psoriasis, RA, sarcoidosis, ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 to 10 mg\/kg intravenous every 4 to 8 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/remicade\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remicade coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simponi (golimumab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, RA, ulcerative colitis, axial spondyloarthritis&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SubQ: 50 mg every month<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IV: 2 mg\/kg IV every 8 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/simponi\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simponi coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cimzia (certolizumab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn&rsquo;s disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 mg SubQ every 2 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cimzia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cimzia coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kevzara (sarilumab)&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 mg SubQ every 2 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/kevzara\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kevzara coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kineret (anakinra)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gout, pericarditis, RA<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 mg SubQ once daily&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/kineret\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kineret coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"top-5-xeljanz-alternatives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top 5 Xeljanz alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are some of the most common alternatives to Xeljanz.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-olumiant-baricitinib\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Olumiant (baricitinib)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/olumiant\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Olumiant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (baricitinib) is another JAK inhibitor. The typical dose is 2 mg once daily, and it is available in a tablet formulation, so can be taken by mouth. This is very convenient for patients. Like Xeljanz, patients taking Olumiant will need to have frequent blood work to monitor their lipid panel, liver function, and renal function. These medications may be held and restarted based on recommended monitoring parameters with bloodwork results. Both medications should be avoided in patients who are immunocompromised as dictated by low white blood cells, including lymphocytes. Similarly, the JAK inhibitors shouldn&rsquo;t be combined with other immunosuppressive agents like azathioprine. This medication, like Xeljanz, would mostly be considered for moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-rinvoq-upadacitinib-extended-release\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Rinvoq (upadacitinib, extended-release)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rinvoq\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinvoq<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the third JAK inhibitor available for the management of RA. It is available in an extended-release formulation as a tablet, and the dose is typically 15 mg once daily. This medication, like its other JAK inhibitor counterparts, also requires blood work monitoring. Unlike Olumiant and Xeljanz, Rinvoq comes with many drug interactions. It is important to provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of your medications, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, so they can ensure serious drug-drug interactions don&rsquo;t occur. Rinvoq, and all JAK inhibitors, also come with the risk of serious infections, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8458792\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thrombosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or blood clots. It shouldn&rsquo;t be combined with other JAK inhibitors or biologic DMARDs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-otrexup-methotrexate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Otrexup (methotrexate)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/otrexup\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Otrexup<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or oral methotrexate, is the first line DMARD selected for most patients with RA. If patients experience an inadequate response after three to four months of optimized methotrexate (meaning at least a 15mg <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methotrexate\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> once weekly), a different conventional synthetic DMARD may be tried or added, or a biologic DMARD or JAK inhibitor may be tried, or even added to Otrexup. Otrexup is considered the anchor drug for patients requiring combination therapy. The addition of or change to a biologic DMARD or JAK inhibitor is preferred over a historic approach known as triple therapy. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18438851\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Triple therapy <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">includes a combination of hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate or leflunomide in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate. Newer agents, like brand name Xeljanz and other biologic DMARDs, may be more tolerable and have resulted in this triple therapy approach falling further out of favor; it may remain a cost-effective option for some patients since the biologic DMARDs and targeted DMARDs can be very <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/enbrel-without-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">costly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-humira-adalimumab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Humira (adalimumab)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/humira\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humira<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an example of a biologic DMARD and is more specifically in the drug class known as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors. It is administered via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks. While it is injectable, it can be self-administered so patients can do so in the comfort of their own homes, as opposed to going to their provider&rsquo;s office or even an infusion center. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/humira-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humira<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is immunosuppressing, so prior to initiation, patients may have to undergo extra testing to rule out certain infections, as well as be given appropriate vaccinations to minimize the risk of infections on therapy. In general, screening for hepatitis B, hepatitis B, and latent tuberculosis is recommended prior to initiating Humira, as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7480193\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reactivations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of these infections can occur while on therapy. Receiving <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5042271\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live vaccines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while on Humira is also contraindicated due to its immunosuppressive effects. Humira can be used as monotherapy in the management of RA but is recommended to be given in combination with methotrexate for optimal efficacy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-enbrel-etanercept\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Enbrel (etanercept)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/enbrel\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enbrel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is another example of a biologic DMARD as well as a TNF inhibitor that is administered via subcutaneous administration. Unlike Humira, it must be administered weekly as opposed to every 2 weeks. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/enbrel-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enbrel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may have a lower risk of serious infections in comparison to Humira, so may be a good option for patients concerned with those types of risks. TNF blockers also increase the risk of mild infections&mdash;the most common being upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. In some clinical trials with TNF blockers, malignancies like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6103834\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lymphoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> were commonly observed compared to patients receiving a placebo. At this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-box-warning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black box warning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the use of TNF blockers and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). TNF blockers may also put patients at higher risk of other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ajmc.com\/view\/tnf-inhibitor-use-follicular-lymphoma-risk-linked-among-patients-with-ra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">malignancies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like non-melanoma skin cancer. While Enbrel can be used as monotherapy, it is also recommended in combination with methotrexate to yield the best outcomes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"natural-alternatives-to-xeljanz\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural alternatives to Xeljanz<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strategies to help manage an RA diagnosis include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/arthritis\/basics\/physical-activity-overview.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical activity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health and can reduce the increased risk of developing other chronic diseases associated with RA, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for bearing on joints that may be impacted. While management of RA will require prescription medications to prevent irreversible damage to joints, there is some research to support supplementation with natural products with anti-inflammatory properties providing some additional relief. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7362115\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can be found in salmon and sardines, may have a protective effect due to their anti-inflammatory and modulatory effect on disease activity. Per clinical trials, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopen.bmj.com\/content\/10\/11\/e039640\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">moderate magnesium supplementation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also exert a protective role by inhibiting inflammatory responses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-switch-to-a-xeljanz-alternative\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to switch to a Xeljanz alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone wanting to switch Xeljanz to an alternative should always do so under medical advice and in discussion with their healthcare provider. Unique situations&mdash;like pregnancy&mdash;may require abrupt discontinuation of Xeljanz, but this generally isn&rsquo;t recommended out of concern for disease flair or recurrence. Discontinuation may be trialed after a period of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31399850\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low disease activity. <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switching to alternatives may also happen when patients cannot tolerate the medication due to side effects or it starts to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21262393\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lose efficacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes swelling and inflammation in affected parts of the body. In patients with RA, part of their immune system misidentifies healthy cells and attacks them. It most commonly attacks joints, such as those in the hands, wrists, and knees. Chronic inflammation will eventually cause permanent damage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":55995,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12164,790],"coauthors":[10869],"class_list":["post-55992","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-arthritis","tag-chronic-disease","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top Xeljanz alternatives and how to switch your Rx<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Olumiant, Rinvoq, Otrexup, Humira, and Enbrel are some Xeljanz alternatives. 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